New Smyrna Beach Gnarlies Name Juan “Coach JT” Tejera Jr. Head Coach

New Smyrna Beach, FL — The New Smyrna Beach Gnarlies are proud to announce Juan “Coach JT” Tejera Jr. as the team’s Head Coach, bringing energy, passion, and a player-first mindset to the organization as it begins its inaugural season.

Tejera, a Miami native from Homestead, Florida, steps into the role at just 24 years old, already carrying a strong background in both playing and coaching. He played three years of collegiate baseball from 2020–2023 across the Division III and NAIA levels, while now serving full-time as an Athletic Director and Physical Education teacher at South Prep Scholars Academy.

“Representing the Gnarlies is an honor,” said Tejera. “To be part of an inaugural season and make history every day with this group is something special. It’s an opportunity to bring my brand of baseball to New Smyrna, our players, and the entire community.”

Known as “Coach JT,” Tejera brings a deep love for sports and mentorship into his leadership style. While baseball remains his passion, his role as an Athletic Director has broadened his appreciation for all sports, from basketball and soccer to volleyball and cheer. At his core, his motivation is rooted in family. “Everything I do is for my family, my mom, dad, and my sister Zoey,” he shared. “They’re the reason I work as hard as I do.”

As the Gnarlies take the field for the first time, Tejera’s definition of success goes far beyond wins and losses. “Success looks like growth and change,” he said. “If these players don’t leave this summer better, not just as players, but as sons, brothers, and young men, then I didn’t do my job. Once we build that team mentality and truly buy into each other, the wins will come and they’ll stack.”

The opportunity to coach in New Smyrna Beach is one that excites Tejera on multiple levels. “Words can’t really describe how excited I am,” he said. “Being able to coach in a place where people vacation, build relationships with these players, and give back to a community that’s already been so welcoming, it means everything.”

Beyond the game, Tejera is focused on building a culture centered on accountability, consistency, and leadership. “Whether we go 30-0 or 0-30, I want this team to be known for developing future leaders,” he said. “It’s not about doing one thing great once, it’s about doing the right things consistently. We’re building a group of responsible, accountable, and confident young men who understand that baseball and life go hand in hand.”

Tejera also hopes his journey serves as inspiration for others. “I want people to know that age shouldn’t hold you back from chasing your goals,” he said. “I’m 24, and I may coach players my age or older—but I’ve worked for this opportunity, and I don’t take it lightly. My message is simple: work hard and aim high. I live by the philosophy, ‘Aim for perfection, fail at greatness.’”

With his passion, energy, and commitment to developing players both on and off the field, Coach JT is poised to lead the Gnarlies into an exciting and meaningful first season.

The New Smyrna Beach Gnarlies look forward to an unforgettable inaugural year under Tejera’s leadership as they build a program rooted in growth, community, and purpose.