Coaches
Molly McCarty
Head Women's Soccer Coach
Coach Molly McCarty brings more than two decades of experience and leadership to the Jefferson High School girls soccer program. With 23 years dedicated to coaching, she has made a lasting impact on student-athletes both on and off the field.
Originally from Athens, Georgia, McCarty is a respected figure in the Jefferson community. She is known for developing strong, disciplined and competitive teams, and for fostering a culture of accountability and unity. In addition to leading the girls soccer program, McCarty also serves as co-head coach of the Jefferson High cross-country team — a role inspired by her father, who was a longtime track and field athlete and coach.
McCarty is recognized for her passion for the game, her emphasis on character development, and her commitment to helping athletes reach their full potential. Many of her former players have gone on to compete at the collegiate level, a reflection of her ability to prepare athletes for success both on the field and in life.
She and her husband, Wayne McCarty, an assistant football coach at Jefferson High, are deeply involved in the school’s athletic programs. They have two daughters: Lanie, 21, a former JHS player and current soccer player at Piedmont University who also serves as a volunteer coach for the Lady Dragons; and Maryn, 16, a dual-sport athlete who competes in both basketball and soccer at Jefferson High.
McCarty’s deep Georgia roots, her family’s strong ties to Jefferson athletics and her decades of coaching experience make her a cornerstone of the Dragon athletic community.
Tyler Pineda
Head Men's Soccer Coach
Coach Tyler Pineda is the head coach of the Jefferson High School varsity men's soccer program. He brings a decade of coaching experience to the Dragons, with a strong background in both boys and girls high school soccer.
Before joining Jefferson, Pineda spent seven years at Chestatee High School in Gainesville, GA. He served as the varsity boys assistant coach for three seasons, helping guide the War Eagles to a GHSA AAAA State Championship appearance in 2018. He then led the Chestatee girls program as head coach for four years.
In 2023, Pineda joined Jefferson as the varsity boys assistant coach and was named head coach ahead of the 2024 season. He holds coaching certifications through U.S. Soccer and United Soccer Coaches. Pineda was also selected as a member of the prestigious 2023–2024 United Soccer Coaches 30 Under 30 class, recognizing rising leaders in the sport.
In addition to his coaching duties, Pineda serves as the Media Relations Coordinator for Jefferson City Schools. He is married to Kristen, and together they have three children: Dane, Addison, and Callaway.