Chipley High School names Max Havel as head baseball coach

Chipley High School has named Max Havel as the next head coach of the Tiger baseball program, bringing more than 23 years of coaching experience and a strong track record of developing successful teams.

Havel, who played at Chipola College before continuing his career at the University of Georgia, was a member of the Bulldogs’ 2001 SEC Championship team and a College World Series participant. His coaching career has included successful stops at Mosley, Marianna, and Bay high schools, as well as the past decade coaching elite travel baseball, most recently with 5 Star Mafia National Gulf Coast.

Havel said Chipley’s tradition of excellence and strong community support made the position especially appealing.

“I was attracted to the strength of the program and how the community rallies around to support the program,” Havel said. “The close knit community that loves to see the student athletes succeed not only in the classroom but also on the field. I’ve followed the program for many years and have enjoyed seeing the success and growth.”

He hopes to build on that tradition while continuing to develop players on and off the field.

“Goals for [the] upcoming season would be for the players to continue to develop at a high level and with us as a team to win districts and make a run in the state playoffs,” Havel stated.

Players can expect not only fun on the field but also fast paced, high intensity practices focused on fundamentals and baseball IQ.

“I believe that if you practice hard and work hard in practice the games will become easier,” Havel noted.

Havel said the most rewarding part of coaching is watching players translate what they learn in practice into success during games. Among his favorite baseball memories are winning an SEC Championship while at the University of Georgia and reaching the College World Series as a player, as well as helping coach teams to back-to-back state Final Four appearances.

As he takes over the Tigers program, Havel said his focus is on continuing the culture already established.

“I want fans and players to know that I am here to continue what Coach Parks and Coach Compton have done and keep the Chipley baseball tradition going,” he said.

Havel and his family are looking forward to becoming part of the Chipley community as he begins his tenure with the Tiger baseball program.