After 35 years of coaching, teaching, and ministry at Greater Atlanta Christian School, longtime head boys soccer coach Thom Jacquet has been named Head Men’s Soccer Coach at Harding University, marking the next chapter in one of the most accomplished coaching careers in Georgia high school athletics. Jacquet will remain on staff as the head coach at GAC for the Spring 2026 season.

Jacquet will leave GAC as one of the winningest and longest-tenured soccer coaches in Georgia history. Jacquet currently has a career record of 410-195-20, while building the Spartans into a perennial state and national contender since taking over the program in the fall of 1991. He also played a central role in the classroom as a teacher across a multitude of subjects, instructing thousands of students during his time at GAC.

“It is difficult to adequately express how I am feeling as this chapter in our lives is about to come to a close. Outside of my role as a husband and father, my role as a teacher and coach at Greater Atlanta Christian School has been the greatest blessing and honor I could have ever imagined. The chance to be in the classroom and on the field with some of the finest students-athletes and assistant coaches anywhere has been an absolute joy for the last 35 years. I have had the opportunity to teach with, coach alongside, and work under the most amazing group. When I think back on my experience over the years, it won’t be measured in what we accomplished on the field, but in the countless moments in the classroom, in the locker room, on buses, on sidelines, the great moments and the tough ones. My life has been immeasurably blessed by my experience at GAC,” Jacquet said.

In honoring Thom’s 35-year legacy at GAC and his next chapter at Harding, GAC President, Dr. Scott Harsh, shared this comment:

“I am deeply grateful for Thom Jacquet’s extraordinary leadership of the boys soccer program over the past 35 years. During his tenure, Thom built one of the most respected programs in the state, marked not only by championships and competitive excellence, but by an unwavering commitment to developing young men of character. For Thom, it has always been about more than soccer. He and his wife Jennifer, have faithfully invested in GAC by helping shape students and players into leaders who reflect integrity, discipline, and purpose. As an alumnus of Harding University and with deep family ties to the institution, this next chapter is especially meaningful. Harding is gaining an exceptional coach, mentor, and servant leader. We are thankful for Thom and the Jacquet family's lasting legacy at GAC.”

A Championship Standard

During Jacquet’s tenure, the GAC boys soccer program established itself as one of the most consistently successful programs in the state. The Spartans captured six GHSA State Championships (2000, 2007, 2009, 2014, 2015, 2022), including the 2014 team that completed an undefeated 23-0 season and finished No. 2 nationally, the highest ranking in program history.

The Spartans also finished State Runner-up three times (1998, 2006, 2011) and reached the Final Four on 14 occasions (1998, 2000, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011–2016, 2021, 2022).

With 27 state playoff appearances, including 24 consecutive seasons from 1997–2022, and 16 region championships (1997, 1998, 2004–2009, 2011, 2013–2015, 2017, 2019, 2022, 2025), Jacquet leaves behind a legacy of sustained excellence and national respect for the GAC boys soccer program.

Last season, Jacquet was named 5A-1A Boys Coach of the Year at the 2025 Gwinnett County Soccer Banquet.

Impact on Student-Athletes

Jacquet’s influence is reflected in the generations of student-athletes who advanced to collegiate soccer and leadership roles, many of whom credit the GAC program for their development on and off the field.

“I want to thank my players. What an incredible journey it has been over the years and the best part is that the journey doesn’t end when that last whistle blows. These relationships are lifelong and growing and that may be the best part of this whole thing. To watch these guys mature and grow into fine young men who are now husbands and fathers and leaders is the most rewarding part,” he said.

A Legacy Interwoven with GAC

Jacquet’s journey at GAC began in 1991 with his first role in education, and over the next three and a half decades, he and his wife Jennifer raised their family within the GAC community. Jennifer Jacquet served as a teacher, instructing Middle School and High School History from 1997–2000 and again from 2013 to the present day. Both Thom and Jennifer are graduates of Harding University. All three of their children graduated from GAC, with Beckham and Maren currently attending Harding University, and sons Jack and Beckham continuing their soccer careers at the collegiate level.

Through their dedication, leadership, and service, the Jacquet family has left a lasting and meaningful legacy at Greater Atlanta Christian School.

GAC Athletic Director, Tim Hardy, reflected on Coach Jacquet’s impact on the GAC Soccer Program and Athletic Department, sharing the following:

“Beyond the results, Coach Jacquet built something truly special within the program. He created a genuine brotherhood among his players and fostered a culture rooted in commitment, accountability, and pride. His influence extends far beyond the years his players wore a GAC jersey, as evidenced by the deep and lasting connections he has maintained with alumni.  Coach Jacquet leaves a legacy of excellence, relationships, and character that will remain a defining part of GAC Soccer.

As we look ahead, GAC will work diligently and thoughtfully to identify the next Head Coach of the Boys’ Soccer program.  With a rich tradition of success, a passionate alumni base, and outstanding program resources, we are confident in the future of GAC Soccer.”