Photo: Sardis High School senior (sitting at right) Jayda Lacks recently signed a softball scholarship with Snead State. Pictured sitting with Jayda is sister Allie Jones. Standing are Jayda’s parents Brad and LeAnna. (Shannon J. Allen/Sand Mountain Reporter)
By Shannon J. Allen/Sand Mountain Reporter
Jayda Lacks was a standout student-athlete in Sardis High School’s Class of 2023. Excelling in both basketball and softball, her performance helped the Lady Lions reach new heights especially in girls basketball.
After receiving athletic scholarship offers in both sports, Lacks decided to pursue softball at the next level, and she signed with Snead State on April 28.
This past season, Lacks batted .353 with seven home runs and 41 hits while helping the Lady Lions reach the East Regional Tournament. She was a Class 5A, All-Area 13 selection and made first team All-Etowah County Schools team.
Lacks helped Sardis reach the Class 5A state tournament as a sophomore. During her junior season, the Lady Lions placed third at the East Regional, a game away from another state berth.
“Jayda has been a big part of our success here at Sardis over the last four to five years,” said Sardis softball head coach Richey Lee said. “It was a pleasure coaching her and watching her develop into the player she is now. She’s grown not only as a player but as a leader. I look forward to hearing great things out of her at the next level. The coaching staff and her teammates will miss having her and the other seniors that graduated.”
In basketball, Lacks led Sardis to the best pair of seasons in school history, as the Lady Lions won back-to-back Etowah County Schools Tournament and Class 5A Area 13 Tournament championships in 2022 and 2023. In 2021-22, Sardis reached the Elite Eight for the first time in school history, losing to eventual state champion Guntersville in the regional finals.
Following her junior season, Lacks was chosen All-Etowah County Schools Most Valuable Player and was named to the ASWA Class 5A All-State third team. She reached the 1,000-career point milestone this past season.
“Jayda is an amazing person and a special athlete,” said Sardis varsity girls head basketball coach Heath Cullom said. “She is a very hard worker and is very tough on herself. Her best attribute is her leadership skills. Every day in the gym, softball field or weight room, Jayda brings a positive attitude and helps set the tone for the other players. She’s been a great role model for these younger groups and made a positive impact on their lives and on their basketball careers. I know she will have a very successful career, because she isn’t going to let anyone out-work her. I wish her the best and look forward to watching where her career takes her.”