Matt Slingerland, Project Manager-WYLDSTAY Smoky Mountains | Stihl Timbersports Athlete

Matt Slingerland has called Sevier County home for the past five years. Born in Brooklyn, New York, and raised near Charlotte, North Carolina, Matt is a third-generation lumberjack athlete who has been competing in timber sports since the age of eight. He earned his degree in Athletic Training from UNC–Charlotte and his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Wingate University.

Matt’s first connection to Pigeon Forge came in 2013 when he competed in the STIHL Timbersports Series at the original Lumberjack Feud. Drawn to the Smoky Mountains, he joined the Feud cast between college and graduate school, then returned in 2018 to work full-time as a lumberjack at Paula Deen’s Lumberjack Feud—a role that allowed him to train year-round.

Over his career, Matt has become one of the sport’s most accomplished competitors. Matt’s competitive résumé includes a six-time member on STIHL Timbersports Team USA, representing his country on international stages around the globe. He is the World Champion Springboard Chopper (2025), World Record Holder in the Hot Saw (2024), and a consistent STIHL Timbersports medalist—earning Bronze 6 times, and Silver in 2025. His career has also taken him to prestigious events such as the Sydney Royal Easter Show.

Today, Matt serves as Project Manager for WYLDSTAY Smoky Mountains and Custom Construction Concepts, working alongside his wife, Cassandra. Together, they travel the world while raising their two young sons, Jett and Jack. Matt treasures time with his family, embraces the community he calls home, and—most recently—is learning to dance with his wife.

Cassandra Slingerland, General Manager-WYLDSTAY Smoky Mtns /Co-owner, Design Concepts

Cassandra Slingerland has called Sevier County home for over 30 years. A proud graduate of Pigeon Forge High School, she began performing professionally in 2009 in local productions including Swing Time, Blast from the Past, and The Smoky Mountain Opry. In 2012, Cassandra stepped into the world of lumberjack sports entertainment, joining the cast of the original Lumberjack Feud as a “Jill” until 2014. She then took her talents to Alaska, hosting The Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show for two seasons, before returning home.

When Paula Deen’s Lumberjack Feud reopened in 2018, Cassandra returned to the arena she loved—hosting and competing as a Lumberjill until 2020. After that, she transitioned into a family business, embracing new adventures and starting a family of her own with her husband, Matt.

Today, Cassandra is the General Manager of WYLDSTAY Smoky Mountains, a brand-new glamping resort on Douglas Lake. She is also a co-owner of Design Concepts, a floral and décor creative, specializing in holiday installations, wedding florals, and event décor.

A dancer since the age of three, Cassandra’s love for performing is matched only by her passion for flowers, road trips, and traveling the globe alongside her family. Her greatest joy, however, comes from being a Mama to the two most precious and adventurous little boys, Jett and Jack.

Abbey Dovey (Team Matt & Cassandra Slingerland)
Web Designer / Marketing – Kellum Creek Business Solutions

Abbey Dovey was raised in Sevier County, and even after traveling to Johnson City to attend ETSU and graduating with her Musical Theatre degree, her heart has always been in the Great Smoky Mountains!

Abbey is a Digital Architect and all-around Marketing Swiss Army Knife at Kellum Creek Business Solutions in Sevierville. She has also performed locally on a number of stages, and most recently held the National title of Princess of America Ambassador in 2024.

As a 2024 dancer for Dancing with the Stars, she is excited to return to this event in a new role and support these dancers and United Way!