Soaky Mountain’s David Andrews Named 2026 Attraction General Manager of the Year
If you’ve ever been at the front gate of Soaky Mountain Waterpark just before opening, there’s a good chance you’ve met our General Manager.
He’s usually not sitting in his office. He’s at the rope kicking off the day with, “3…2…1…SOAKY!”
That countdown and the high-fives, conversations and photos that follow is a small example of the leadership style that recently earned “Soaky Dave” Andrews the 2026 Attraction General Manager of the Year Award for Sevierville at the Sevier County Hospitality and Tourism Association’s Stars of the Industry Awards.
Dave has been serving as General Manager since Soaky Mountain opened in June 2020, but his focus has never been simply on operating our waterpark. A significant part of his leadership style is helping to develop leadership qualities in our people who operate our waterpark.
Whether he’s directing strategy, talking to guests, or even making pizzas, Dave is always available to mentor and coach our team. Dave is personally invested in coaching and mentoring new and seasoned leaders, and sharing lessons from the more than two decades he has been working in the attractions industry. This all leads to our team members building upon their own leadership abilities.
It’s also part of Soaky’s One Team Mentality that defines our waterpark: invest in people, work alongside them to solve problems and help them understand the “why” behind decisions.
This philosophy also extends to our guests. Dave regularly walks our waterpark, talks with families and helps to address any issues as they happen. Some returning guests know him by name; and he knows some of them, too.
Dave’s commitment to his role as general manager goes beyond our waterpark. During the off-season, you can find him visiting Sevier County schools to read to students, discuss careers, teach the science behind making waves and occasionally he even returns to one of his earlier professions by substitute teaching.
According to Dave, this year’s recognition by the Sevier County Hospitality and Tourism Association is particularly meaningful because he was also named Attraction General Manager of the Year in 2021, following Soaky Mountain’s first full season.
The 2021 recognition came after helping build and open our waterpark.
Five years later, the 2026 recognition celebrates something just as important: building our team and culture that makes Soaky Mountain so special.
Congratulations, Soaky Dave, from your entire Soaky Mountain family.