Mavs eye return to state fairway
Anderson County’s Max Stanfil follows through on a shot during the 2025 TSSAA state golf championships at Sevierville Golf Club. Stanfil finished third at the regional tournament before placing sixth at the state tournament. Now a sophomore, he returns to lead the Mavericks as they pursue a deep postseason run and a berth in the 2026 state championships. (photo:Tony Cox )
The Anderson County boys captured the district championship last season and tied for the region title, but narrowly missed a berth in the TSSAA state tournament after losing a tiebreaker to Kingston.
The Lady Mavericks also tied for the region championship, but were denied a team trip to the state tournament after falling to Alcoa in postseason competition.
Head Coach Dallas Cole returns for his second season at Anderson County and believes both squads are poised for another strong year.
“These players all had a very good summer,” Cole said. “We had a good season last year. Both teams tied for the region championship, and both missed a chance to go to state because we lost in a tiebreaker, and that’s tough.
“Our boys lost to Kingston, and our girls lost to Alcoa,” he said.
Both teams will have an early opportunity to build on last year’s success.
The Mavericks will compete in the prestigious 5Star Preps Masters at Three Ridges Golf Course in Northeast Knox County on July 28-29.
Both Anderson County teams will officially open the regular season July 27 with a tri-match against Clinton and Kingston at Centennial Golf Course.
The Mavericks return plenty of experience, led by juniors Maddox Tackett and senior Luke Baldwin.
Other returning players include sophomore Max Stanfil, seniors Hoyt Chadwell and Max Sickau, and sophomores Britton Tackett and Crosby Eddington.
Maddox Tackett tied for 12th at the 2025 state tournament.
Baldwin finished as the district runner-up, while Stanfil placed third at the regional tournament before finishing sixth at the state tournament.
The Mavericks also welcome several newcomers, including freshmen Brady Riggs and Brae Harris, senior Hunter Turpin, and juniors Landry Sharp and Reese Young.
The Lady Mavericks return two key contributors from last season’s region championship squad.
Junior Molly Jackson is back after recording a Top 40 finish at the 2025 state tournament, while sophomore Lola Ellis returns after helping Anderson County finish as the district runner-up.
They will be joined by newcomers Audrey Woodson, a sophomore; Addison Grooms, a senior standout in basketball and softball; and incoming freshman Corryn May.
“We’re looking forward to another big year this year,” Cole said.
