'LAST SEASON, BEST SEASON': GMC Prep's Jannakos saved her best for last

Dec. 17—High school softball seasons don't get much better than the one put up by GMC Prep's Leah Jannakos in 2021.

Last season, the pitcher/third baseman hit for an average just south of .500 with 28 runs batted in and posted an earned run average in the mid-ones inside the pitcher's circle.

Wouldn't you know it, the softball standout one-upped herself her senior season of 2022 as she hit .450 with a .500 on-base percentage while adding nine homers and 45 RBI. The hard-throwing righty's pitching never suffered as shown by her 1.19 ERA and 141 strikeouts over 122 1/3 innings. You definitely did not want to be in the softball's way after it left Jannakos' hand or bat because it was always humming.

For her efforts, Jannakos is going out on top as the back-to-back All-County Softball Player of the Year.

"Last season, best season," she said. "It was definitely fun because the chemistry with the girls was there. We played for each other and knew we had a job to do."

The job was to get GMC Prep softball back to Columbus — site of the GHSA state championships — for the first time since 2019. But more on that later. Here's what fourth-year Lady Dogs head coach Jennifer Deason had to say about her two-time All-County Player of the Year.

"Leah was obviously a big piece of the team," Deason said. "When she was in the circle, we felt confident that we had a fighting chance against anybody. When they don't get the opportunity to put the ball in play, that really helps your chances to win. She had a strong defense behind her, but she could also sit a lot of people down."

And sit 'em down she did, to the tune of over 1.1 strikeouts per inning pitched. But neither Jannakos nor her head coach said anything to do with pitching as their favorite statistic from this season. Even though they were asked separately, both said the .450 batting average stood out above the rest.

For Jannakos, that's because most of her time on the travel ball circuit is spent inside the circle, not at the plate. As players make their way up the sport's ranks, specialization often kicks in. Pitchers focus on their job while hitters concentrate on their bats and defense.

High school ball allowed Jannakos to be involved more offensively as well as defensively while doing both at an extremely high level. She was recruited by and signed to Division I Kennesaw State University as a pitcher, but also wants to give it a go as a hitter once she gets on campus next year.

"Statistically you see that strong pitchers aren't always strong hitters as well because they're so focused on their mechanics from the pitching lessons and things like that," said Deason. "To be a dual threat in the circle and at the plate, that's a rarity."

The '22 Lady Dogs, with the help of Jannakos' elite skillset, accomplished their main season goal of earning a seat in Columbus. GMC Prep played its way just one game shy of the finals, leaving the Georgia softball mecca with a third-place trophy after losing to eventual state champion Emanuel County Institute.

"It was heartbreaking to lose out, but third place is still really good," Jannakos said.

The Class of 2023 member and KSU signee didn't leave the game's biggest stage without creating a couple of highlights, though. While in Columbus, Jannakos had one of her most complete outings in GMC Prep's tournament opener versus what had been an undefeated Wilcox County squad. Even the home plate umpire's inconsistent strike zone did little to slow the hurler down.

"She's grown so much," Season said. "The younger Leah would have gotten frustrated, but the older Leah just used it as ammunition, got stronger, and hit her spots. I think that's probably one of her better games because she faced adversity and overcame it."

Jannakos pitched all seven innings of that Wilcox game, striking out 10 while only surrendering two runs. On top of that, the slugger smashed a three-run homer to help keep her team in the winners' bracket of the double-elimination tournament. Before the season-ending loss to ECI, Jannakos surpassed the major career milestone of 300 strikeouts.

Not a bad way to finish out a high school career.

"I'm going to miss high school ball, but I'm ready to go to the next level," Jannakos said.

"She's done a great job for us, so she'll definitely be missed," Deason added. "It's going to be a big change. I think some teams we play next year may look at us different because we won't have Leah, but I feel confident in next year's team, too. We had a handful of strong seniors, and we'll need girls to step up and take those roles."

Now the power pitcher/hitter will get ready to trade in her GMC Prep red and black for the black and gold worn by the KSU Owls. Rest assured, she said she's going to continue working hard to try and make her mark at that level, too.