Shay Knighten Appointed Associate Head Coach of Oklahoma Sooners Softball
The University of Oklahoma has announced the appointment of Shay Knighten as the new Associate Head Coach for the Oklahoma Sooners softball team. Knighten, a former standout player for the Sooners, returns to her alma mater with a wealth of experience and an impressive career that combines both playing and coaching excellence.
Knighten, who was a pivotal figure in Oklahoma’s back-to-back national championships in 2016 and 2017, brings a deep understanding of the program’s culture and the standard of excellence that has made the Sooners a dominant force in college softball. As a player, Knighten was a key contributor to Oklahoma’s success, earning All-American honors and helping the team to several College World Series appearances.
Her playing career was distinguished by her leadership on and off the field. Knighten’s impact was evident from her powerful bat and her ability to perform under pressure. She played a crucial role in Oklahoma’s 2017 National Championship run, hitting critical home runs and showcasing her clutch hitting in key moments. Her leadership helped solidify the Sooners’ place as one of the premier programs in college softball.
After her playing days, Knighten transitioned into coaching, where she quickly gained recognition for her coaching acumen and ability to develop talent. Prior to her return to Oklahoma, Knighten served as an assistant coach at various programs, most recently at the University of Arkansas, where she worked with hitters and infielders. Her coaching pedigree includes developing some of the best hitters in the nation and helping her teams achieve great success on the field.
Shay Knighten’s appointment is a testament to her dedication to the game and her deep connection to the Oklahoma softball program. “I am beyond excited to return to Norman and be a part of the continued success of this program,” Knighten said in a statement. “The University of Oklahoma holds a special place in my heart, and I look forward to helping this team reach new heights.”
Oklahoma head coach Patty Gasso, who has been a driving force behind the program’s consistent excellence, expressed her confidence in Knighten’s ability to contribute to the team’s future success. “Shay knows what it takes to win at the highest level,” Gasso said. “Her understanding of the game, her competitive spirit, and her passion for developing players will be invaluable as we look to continue our championship aspirations.”
Knighten’s appointment comes at a time when the Sooners are looking to build on their recent successes, including multiple national titles, and solidify their place as one of the most dominant programs in collegiate softball history. With Knighten’s return, the Sooners are poised for continued excellence in the coming seasons.
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