Former Collins Hill High School student selected in the MLB Draft

     A former Gwinnett County Public Schools student spent one of the most exciting days of his life surrounded by the people and place that helped shape him. Vahn Lackey, a Collins Hill High School graduate, was recently selected third overall by the Minnesota Twins in the 2026 Major League Baseball Draft, achieving a lifelong dream and becoming one of the highest draft picks in school history.

     Vahn chose to host his draft watch party at Collins Hill High, bringing together family, friends, coaches, teammates and community members who supported him throughout his journey. The decision reflected what Collins Hill has always meant to him.

     “Playing at Collins Hill was a great time. The school was filled with people who I grew up with since I was 5, so it felt like a home to me,” Vahn shares. “I loved to participate in the athletic areas at Collins Hill as the community was so great.”

     When his name was called, cheers erupted throughout the school. It was a fitting celebration for a player who wanted to share the moment with the community that helped him grow as both a student and an athlete.

Before draft day, the magnitude of the moment had not fully sunk in.

     “It really feels surreal as I feel like just yesterday, I was sitting in a high school classroom, and now I’m about to go to the draft after college,” Vahn explains. “I am excited for the future.”

     Vahn's rise to becoming a top MLB prospect began during his time at Collins Hill High, where he quickly established himself as one of the state's best players. Following graduation, he enrolled at Georgia Tech University, where he excelled during the past three years, winning the 2026 Johnny Bench Award as the best male catcher in NCAA Division I. According to Collins Hill High head baseball coach Bryan Linnell, Vahn's success was built on a relentless work ethic and a desire to improve every day.

     “Vahn was an extremely driven young man when he arrived at Collins Hill,” Linnell shares. “He worked hard at everything he did, whether it was catcher-specific skills or hitting drills. He took the starting job as a sophomore and became a force behind the plate. He always wanted to learn. Combine that with the drive he already had, and you get a top-three pick in the Major League Baseball Draft.”

     Vahn's senior season showcased the talent that would eventually draw national attention. He hit .427 with five home runs and stole 17 bases while playing catcher, demonstrating a rare combination of power, athleticism, and defensive skill. Yet Linnell believes the statistics tell only part of the story.

     “He was the leader because of his work ethic and his high character,” Linnell said. “He set the bar higher for what it meant to be a good student, a good teammate, and a selfless player. His stats speak for themselves, but his real impact in our program has had lasting effects that he doesn't even understand.”

     Perhaps most impressive, according to Linnell, is the humility that has remained constant throughout Vahn's journey from standout high school player to first-round draft pick.

     “This would have to be his humility,” Linnell said. “He loves the game of baseball and has no idea what all the fuss is about him. When he steps onto the field for practice or a game, he just loves getting to play baseball. He works to get better every day, and he is reaping the rewards of that work.”