Knight Joins Golden Eagle Softball Coaching Staff

COOKEVILLE,Tenn. – Abi Knight, a seasoned player with six years of collegiate softball experience across the ACC, AAC, and SEC, is joining the Tennessee Tech Softball team as an assistant coach.Knight will share her extensive knowledge and experience to elevate the team’s performance.

“I am super thankful to Coach Penner and the athletic department at Tennessee Tech for giving me the opportunity to continue growing this program,” Knight said. “After six years of collegiate softball experience in the ACC, AAC and SEC, I could not be more excited to share my knowledge and experience with the players and help them take their game to the next level!”

Building on Success

Knight’s coaching aspirations were evident throughout her playing career. While at Boston College and South Carolina,she actively participated in prospect and youth camps. She also provided private hitting and defence lessons for young softball players. Additionally, Knight has served as an assistant coach for the Lady Lightning 18U National Team program.

Her most recent season saw Knight, an outfielder for the Gamecocks, achieve significant success. She posted a .301 batting average,driving in 39 runs with 11 doubles and scoring 30 runs. Her contributions helped the Gamecocks finish with a 44-17 record and reach the NCAA Super Regionals.

Did you know? – Abi knight’s move to Tennessee Tech marks a transition from player to coach. She aims to leverage her experience to enhance the team’s performance. Her coaching journey began with youth camps and private lessons.

A Stellar Collegiate career

Knight began her collegiate journey at Charlotte, where she utilized a medical redshirt and a COVID extension. Playing every game during her graduate season, she recorded a .309 batting average, with 51 hits, 12 doubles, one home run, and 26 RBI. Her performance during Charlotte’s postseason run earned her a spot on the American athletic Conference all-tournament team. As Charlotte advanced to the NCAA Athens Regional, Knight received Third-Team All-Region Honors from the National Fastpitch Coaches Association.

Pro tip: – Knight’s diverse experience across multiple conferences provides a unique perspective. She’s played in the ACC, AAC, and SEC. This background will help her guide players in various aspects of the game.

Prior to her time at Charlotte, Knight spent four seasons in the Atlantic Coast Conference playing for Boston College. In her senior year, she started all 52 games, batting .294 with a team-high 10 doubles, 27 RBI, seven home runs, and two triples. That season, she was recognized as the Eagles’ team MVP and Most valued hitter.

Academically, Knight also excelled, earning spots on both the AAC All-Academic Team and the ACC Academic Honor Roll.

Knight expressed her enthusiasm for her new role, stating, “My goal is to help players raise, reach, and exceed their individual expectations while getting to be a part of the great family culture that Coach Penner has created here at TTU. I’m looking forward to working closely with Coach Alli (Robinson) and Coach Penner in the upcoming season as we prepare the team for a accomplished year!”