Donelson Christian Academy soccer academy will probably be led by certainly one of them this fall.
Jay Pierce has been employed as the top coach of the Wildcats, the varsity introduced Monday. A former DCA quarterback and 2000 graduate, Pierce most not too long ago served as the top coach at Blackman Center College for eight seasons.
He replaces veteran coach Paul Wade, who left DCA in December to take the Brentwood Academy job.
“Getting interviewed for my dream job and coming again to DCA was a blessing in itself. The job supply was a lifelong dream come true,” Pierce stated in a press launch. “This conventional faculty and soccer program grew to become a house and prolonged household for me and my household in 1996. I imagine in everybody and every part DCA stands for. I’m excited to hold on the traditions of the coaches earlier than me and completely satisfied to be residence!”
Pierce has spent a lot of the final decade making ready gamers at the highschool stage. His Blackman Center groups compiled a 60-9 general file, received three Rutherford County championships (2015, 2018 and 2022) and completed as runner-up 5 occasions.
Previous to his highschool stint, Pierce posted a 7-23 file in three seasons at East Robertson from 2012-14. DCA presents Pierce one other likelihood in the highschool teaching ranks.
“Coach Pierce is extraordinarily properly ready to steer the Wildcat program in its subsequent part of improvement. He understands the mission of the varsity and is dedicated to main a program that seeks to develop Christ-like leaders,” stated DCA Head of College Keith Singer. “He additionally understands the important position Wildcat soccer performs in a rising group like DCA. As an alumnus, Coach Pierce cares deeply about this program, its gamers, our households and our alumni connections. I strongly imagine that below his management, DCA soccer will accomplish our mission in a powerful method.”
The Wildcats went 45-25 in Wade's six seasons and received the TSSAA Division II-A state title with fewer than 40 gamers in 2021, simply three years after going 0-10.
Constructing the roster will probably be key to Pierce's tenure at his alma mater. He helped develop the Blackman Center program to just about 120 gamers, in response to the discharge.
DCA is anticipated to return a gifted group of talent gamers from an offense that averaged 35 factors per sport in 2023. They embody quarterback Mitchell Carey, broad receivers Cameron Booker and Grayson Scragg and tight finish Carson Sneed, a four-star prospect in response to the 247Sports Composite .
Carey accomplished 168 of 271 passes for two,826 yards, 37 touchdowns and three interceptions as a junior final season.
“We really feel that Coach Pierce is a rising star within the Center Tennessee teaching ranks and brings an amazing work ethic to constructing and sustaining applications,” DCA Athletic Director Dennis Goodwin stated. “Being a DCA graduate and really acquainted with our group will make for a easy transition into the subsequent part of Wildcat soccer.”
