For November 2025, Soldiers To Sidelines proudly recognizes Jenner “Coach P” Pereda as our Soldier Coach of the Month—a leader whose journey from Senior Chief Petty Officer in the United States Navy to a dedicated multi-sport coach embodies service, mentorship, and community impact. After 24 years of military service, Coach Pereda has continued to live out his calling to lead by pouring his energy into athletes across football, baseball, softball, weightlifting, and youth sports organizations throughout Clay County. His path into coaching began as a father seeking to stay connected with his children, but it quickly grew into a deeper mission: shaping young athletes, uplifting his community, and leveraging the Soldiers To Sidelines program to expand both his coaching knowledge and his platform to inspire. Coach Pereda’s story is one of resilience, faith, and unwavering commitment—and the heart behind his work shines through in every team he touches.
Below is his interview in his own words.
STS: Tell your story about how and why you got into coaching. Discuss how coaching has impacted you as a person.
Coach P: As a father of nine kids (blended family), I really wanted to keep my kids active. My older daughters did tee ball, volleyball, and soccer, which, at the time, I was deploying a lot and wasn’t part of their sports much. As deployments died down, I got really into coaching my daughter Jenna with cross country, track, and basketball, that is where my coaching life all started. It continued on with my sons’ football at the 10U/11U level, and when my youngest became old enough, I got into coaching baseball and started back up with flag/tackle football. Coaching made me realize that I can be someone kids look up to, not just my own kids, but those in the community as well. Coaching my kids and getting certified through “Soldiers to Sidelines” has led to my coaching at the high school level, but the biggest platform has been my church. A youth pastor at my church, River Christian Church(RCC) mentioned to me, “Imagine a youth seeing their coach, teaching/coaching about the bible?” I have been teaching the 5th /6th-grade service for the past year and love seeing kids from different sports and all over the community in my small group.
STS: How has your military experience influenced you as a coach?
Coach P: My military experience has taught me how to be a leader at different levels. The best description of myself as a leader is that I am an assertive leader with not just my players but coaches as well.
STS: How has Soldiers To Sidelines impacted your life?
Coach P: The program has provided me with resources and a network that before I could only dream of. I have attended numerous clinics and been selected for a few workshops that have expanded my knowledge in sports. One of my best experiences was at a local event assisting FBU with one of their camps, which some of my high school athletes attended. I was introduced with the rest of the staff which consisted of former college and NFL players. I would have never thought of being introduced with such a group and it made an impression on my players.
STS: Describe a coaching interaction with a player, or group of players, that has a special place in your heart?
Coach P: This past season really hit me during our school’s Senior night and the last game of the season, which for some, was their last time stepping onto the football field. I have known these kids since they were in the 10th grade, and being with them on the field that night was really emotional.
STS: What are your aspirations in coaching?
Coach P: I would love to continue at the high school level and hopefully coach my son under those Friday Night Lights when the time comes. Afterwards, only time will tell.
STS: What was the most difficult challenge you have experienced in coaching, and what have you learned from that experience?
Coach P: Coming from a military background, I felt some teams and their leadership lacked organization and high standards. It took me a while to find my voice in the civilian sector when it came to coaching; I didn’t want to sound too militant. With my leadership traits, I was able to adapt and put kids and coaches under my wing, and continue to mentor. I have to remind myself that I have been put in some challenging situations that I got myself out of with my training and 24 years of service. Nothing is too big to overcome!
STS: Is there anything else you can share with us about your coaching story?
Coach P: Coaching my son has brought us closer together after missing so much with deployments. What “Soldiers to Sidelines” provides goes far beyond the field and makes an impact on our everyday lives. Thank you for the continued opportunities, not just in being a better coach but a better person overall.
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