STEUBENVILLE, Ohio – The Franciscan University Athletic Department is proud to announce Chris McKnight, as their new Head Softball Coach. He is set to become the Barons' seventh head coach since the program's inception in 2009.
"We are thrilled to bring on Chris as our next softball head coach," said Franciscan Director of Athletics Scott Greve. "He brings with him great success as a player and years of coaching experience with various with players of all ages. We are very excited to have him on board, and he will hit the ground running with the season less than two months away."
McKnight has coached over sixty athletic teams over the years. This includes recreational softball, recreational basketball, travel basketball, AAU basketball and travel softball. He coached for the Pittsburgh Power travel softball organization in 12U, 14U, 16U, 18U and 18+. These Pittsburgh Power teams won twelve tournaments and finished second in six tournaments in a multi-state area.
"I knew Franciscan was in need of a coach, and time was a hurdle for finding a coach and I could only image the uncertainty the team was feeling. I thought I could help the situation. I have always enjoyed coaching and am excited about this opportunity. I believe there is a good fit between Franciscan and myself," commented Coach Chris McKnight
"I want the team to have fun playing and learning softball while spreading the Franciscan message beyond the campus. It is a significant commitment to play a sport in college and I want the team to have a positive memorable experience playing softball. I want to bring stability to the coaching position while continuing to build a solid program for the long term."
During his playing time at Penn State's main campus, McKnight was named MVP of the team his senior year. That season he batted .379, best on the team, and led the Nittany Lions in hits and RBIs.
In addition to his coaching experience, McKnight has worked in industrial sales for 40 years based in the Pittsburgh area with responsibilities nationally. He currently resides in Venetia, Pennsylvania where he works as an independent contractor for his own company. McKnight earned his Master of Business Administration from Robert Morris University in 1994. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Penn State University in 1980.
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