Volleyball, soccer openers arrive next week
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Clinton senior Parker McGhee makes her presence felt at the net for the Lady Dragons. McGhee brings experience and strength to Clinton’s front row as the Lady Dragons prepare to open the 2026 regular season next week. - Ellie Hatmaker
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Anderson County’s Ansley Freeman makes a play at the net during a preseason volleyball scrimmage. The Lady Mavericks will turn their attention to the regular season next week as Anderson County opens its 2026 campaign. - Ellie Hatmaker
The 2026-27 school year has begun, and the volleyball and girls soccer seasons are right around the corner.
Area volleyball and girls soccer teams can begin their regular seasons Monday, Aug. 17.
On the court, all three area volleyball teams will get things rolling Monday as Anderson County hosts Lakeway Christian School at 6:30 p.m.
Oak Ridge, meanwhile, will open at Seymour with a pair of matches against the host Eagles and Kingston. Action begins at Seymour High School at 5:30 p.m.
Clinton will open at home in the confines of Don W. Lockard Gymnasium when it hosts Knoxville’s Hardin Valley Academy.
All local teams will open District 3-AAA play Tuesday, Aug. 18, as the Lady Mavericks, the 2025 district tournament champions, head to Wildcat Arena to take on Oak Ridge.
“We can’t take any matches off,” Anderson County Coach Jayme Smith said. “But we’re excited. We have one match before we start in the district, so we’ll get a chance to get our feet wet.”
The Lady Dragons, who are seeking a fourth consecutive trip to the Region 2-AAA tournament, will open league play at home Tuesday, Aug. 18, when they entertain 2025 regular-season district champion Knoxville Central.
District play continues Thursday, Aug. 20, with Clinton heading to Anderson County, and Oak Ridge hosting Powell.
Lady Dragons coach Lorri Johnson is ready to compete.
“It’s here and there’s no doubt about it,” Johnson said. “We’re trying to replace one of our hitters [who] moved to Florida, and I have a freshman, Brooke Pebley, and she’s doing a good job.”
Oak Ridge is looking to improve, and second-year Coach Meghan Ellis has high hopes for the Lady Wildcats.
“My expectation is for us to compete for a district championship and get to the region (tournament),” Ellis said.
On the pitch, Clinton High School Coach Anna Orr will make her debut when the Lady Dragons host Harriman on Tuesday, Aug. 18.
Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m.
The Lady Dragons will also host Cumberland Gap at 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 20.
Anderson County will open its 2026 campaign at home against Concord Christian School at 7 p.m. Tuesday.
The Lady Mavericks will travel to Oliver Springs on Aug. 20 as they begin another quest for that elusive state tournament berth.
Oak Ridge has three matches during the opening week of the 2026 season, beginning with a trip to Rhea County on Tuesday.
The Lady Wildcats will then host the defending Class AAA state champion on Aug. 20 before concluding opening week with a road match against Walker Valley on Saturday, Aug. 22.
All three Oak Ridge matches are scheduled for 7 p.m.
