The sixth head coach in program history, Knighten is the first Black female head coach of any program at USD Athletics and the youngest active softball head coach in NCAA Division I. She was an assistant coach for the Toreros in 2019-20.
During her first season at the helm, the Toreros generated one of their strongest seasons in the circle as the pitching staff recorded the lowest team ERA since 2014 (2.95). The pitchers garnered multiple conference honors with two earning All-WCC second team honors and two WCC Pitcher of the Week Awards.
In addition to stops at her alma mater with the Huskers and Wichita State, Knighten’s rapid ascension in the coaching ranks comes after a successful year as an assistant with the Toreros in 2019-20, where she helped develop San Diego into an offensive power.
Knighten has a wealth of elite softball experience as a former All-American at Nebraska and player with the National Pro Fastpitch league. At Nebraska, Knighten rewrote the record books, ending her four-year career ranked in the top-10 in 10 different categories. She started 228 of 229 games at third base during her tenure, was named an NFCA All-American in 2016, and became the first four-time All-Big Ten selection in program history. Knighten helped guide the Huskers to three postseason appearances and a first place finish in the Big Ten in 2014.
After her stellar career at Nebraska, Knighten was selected 25th overall in the 2017 NPF Draft as a third baseman by the Scrap Yard Dawgs, who went on to win the NPF Championship later that summer.
Knighten played two seasons in the NPF and was an undergraduate assistant coach at Nebraska during the 2018 season before joining Wichita State as a graduate assistant for the 2019 campaign. Under head coach Kristi Bredbenner, she helped guide the Shockers to a 12-9 American Athletic Conference (AAC) record and a 2019 AAC Tournament semifinal appearance.
Knighten earned her bachelor’s degree in journalism with an emphasis in broadcasting from Nebraska in 2017. She recently completed her Master’s of Education in Sports Management from Wichita State in May 2020.
WHAT THEY'RE SAYING
Rhonda Revelle, Nebraska Head Coach -
"We are so excited for MJ, as she has dedicated her life to this game, for this moment, and now she has this incredible opportunity with the University of San Diego to step in as the head coach. MJ is a rising star in the coaching profession! Her softball resume speaks for itself, and as a person, her character and work ethic are A+."
"MJ has an incredible softball IQ, that along with her passion and love for the game, will be motivating and inspiring for her players. With MJ at the helm, she will build a great team and culture, and the program will be highly competitive and accomplished on the field, in the classroom and also in the community. This is a great day to be a Torero!"
Patty Gasso, Oklahoma Head Coach -
"The University of San Diego just hired a competitive, hardworking and determined softball coach in MJ Knighten. I've had the pleasure of following MJ's career at the University of Nebraska and had the opportunity to work with MJ at our OU Softball Camps. She is a tremendous communicator, has knowledge and passion for the game, and will get the most out of athletes. She comes from a family of athletes who know about winning. MJ will be one of the up and coming head coaches in our game and I'm looking forward to following her career."
Jessica Pistole, Southern Oregon and former San Diego Head Coach -
"I could not be more thrilled about the direction that USD Softball is headed under Coach Knighten's leadership. She is a fierce competitor who has a deep trust in the daily process of what it takes to become a champion. Most notable though, she is a bright light who speaks the truth and possesses the superpower of connecting with and bringing out the best in each of her players and coaches. Exciting days are ahead for USD Softball!"
Ken Erikson, USA Women's National Team Head Coach -
"What an exciting hire for San Diego softball. Our national team was on that beautiful campus last year, and I had a chance to spend time with the staff. MJ's elite level experience will bode well for such a great up and coming program. There is no ceiling there under her leadership."
Kirk Walker, UCLA Assistant Coach -
"MJ is a special young woman with a great softball pedigree. I wish USD and MJ the best and expect to see great things in the future."
A fast-rising coach with an All-American pedigree and program-building leadership abilities, MJ Knighten is entering her second season as the head coach of San Diego Softball.
The sixth head coach in program history, Knighten is the first Black female head coach of any program at USD Athletics and the youngest active softball head coach in NCAA Division I. She was an assistant coach for the Toreros in 2019-20.
During her first season at the helm, the Toreros generated one of their strongest seasons in the circle as the pitching staff recorded the lowest team ERA since 2014 (2.95). The pitchers garnered multiple conference honors with two earning All-WCC second team honors and two WCC Pitcher of the Week Awards.
