Coach Mahaffey comes to Lightning from the Henry County Soccer Association where he was the Assistant Director of Coaching and the Director of the Junior Academy of Excellence (JAOE). Here, he developed and executed the curriculum for the JAOE in addition to running weekly clinics for various levels of players.

As a player, Coach Mahaffey started out in Rockdale and after stints with the Brookwood Steamers, Stone Mountain Storm and Norcross Fury, ended his youth career with AFC Lightning. From there he spent time with the German third division club, KFC-Uerdingen before going to Georgia State University. He has also had the privilege of training with German Bundesliga club FSV Mainz 05, MLS club Kansas City Wizards and Atlanta's own A League Silverbacks.

Coach Mahaffey holds a USSF "D" Coaching License and brings a wealth of skill and experience to our players.