Brad Kovacik grew up in Windward, always riding bikes with friends and spending summers at the pool. Back then, Alpharetta was little more than a dot on the map. Today, it’s a thriving community where he and his wife, Sarah, are raising their two children, Avery (13) and Jacob (10), just a few streets from where his parents once lived.

Brad’s family moved to Windward in 1989, when he was just eight years old. He attended Lake Windward Elementary, Haynes Bridge Middle, and the original Milton High School before heading to the University of Georgia. After college, Brad and Sarah met through mutual friends and eventually settled in Brookhaven, then Crabapple. But Windward kept calling them back.

“We kept finding ourselves here,” said Sarah. “We’d come to the Windward pool, take long walks around the lake, visit Brad’s parents, and every time, it just felt right.” In 2016, they made the move, joining the growing number of second-generation families who now call Windward home.

Today, the Kovaciks love the connection that defines life here. “Our kids can hop on their bikes and find friends within minutes,” said Sarah. “Neighbors pop over just to say hi and it’s just so easy and genuine.” Brad adds, “Some of my best friends from childhood still live nearby. It’s special to watch our kids grow up with that same kind of friendship.”

Avery, a student at Webb Bridge Middle School, stays busy with cheer, girls’ flag football, and has dreams of studying sports journalism at UGA. Jacob, a thoughtful and technical ten-year-old, active in golf, baseball, and is already fascinated by aviation, recently spending a dream day in a Delta flight simulator.

When Brad’s not working as Regional Sales Director at Workday, you’ll often find him on the golf course and tennis courts. Sarah works full time at Creek View Elementary, known to students as Ms K, and is currently earning her master’s degree in education. “It’s such a rewarding full-circle moment,” she said. “I get to teach in the same community where our family lives.” In addition to neighbors and family, they love to spend time with their four-year-old golden doodle, Maui. 

The Kovaciks make the most of neighborhood life with the Labor Day fireworks, Fourth of July fun runs, and their annual Georgia-Florida tailgate at the Sports Park. “The best part of living here is how connected everyone is,” said Sarah. “Neighbors show up, kids run between houses, and it just feels easy.”

Between the neighborhood traditions, strong youth sports programs, and award-winning schools, it’s easy to see why families like the Kovaciks are proud to call Windward home. 

“It’s a great place to grow up and to come back to,” said Brad.

THANK YOU KOVACIKS for welcoming Stroll Windward into your home and lives to tell your wonderful story!