The name “Big Play Shay” wasn’t just a nickname – it was a guarantee of excitement, a promise of drama, and a harbinger of greatness. Shay Knighten, the legendary Oklahoma softball slugger, was the master of her domain, delivering clutch after clutch, year after year, on the biggest stages. Her appointment as Associate Head Coach at Oklahoma is a welcome homecoming for the Sooners, signaling a new era of excellence and a return to the glory days of Oklahoma softball dominance.
Knighten’s résumé is a laundry list of unforgettable moments, but three stand out as particularly remarkable. The first is her walk-off home run in the 2016 Women’s College World Series championship series against Auburn. With the score tied and two outs in the bottom of the seventh inning, Knighten stepped up to the plate and delivered a crushing blast to center field, securing a 4-3 win for the Sooners and sending the crowd into a frenzy. It was a moment that showcased her calm and focused demeanor under pressure, as well as her raw power and ability to will her team to victory.
Another iconic moment came in 2017, when Knighten hit a three-run homer in the longest game in championship series history. The Sooners were locked in a scoreless tie with Florida State, and the game had stretched into extra innings. Knighten’s mammoth shot to right field not only broke the deadlock but also sent Oklahoma to the championship series, where they ultimately fell short. The image of Knighten rounding the bases, helmet in hand, and a beaming smile on her face, is forever etched in the memories of Sooners fans.
The third moment that stands out is Knighten’s dramatic home run in the 2015 Women’s College World Series against Michigan. With Oklahoma trailing by a run in the bottom of the seventh inning, Knighten came through with a two-run homer, flipping the script and propelling the Sooners to a thrilling comeback victory. This was a testament to her clutch gene, as well as her ability to rise to the occasion and make plays when it mattered most.
These moments, while just a few among many, showcase Knighten’s uncanny ability to deliver under pressure. Herb Brooks, the legendary U.S. Olympic hockey coach, once said, “Great moments are born from great opportunities.” Shay Knighten didn’t just seize those opportunities – she created them, time and time again. Her appointment as Associate Head Coach is a nod to her enduring legacy and a promise of more great moments to come.
As Knighten takes on her new role, she brings with her a wealth of experience, a winning mentality, and an intimate understanding of what it takes to succeed at the highest level. With her by their side, the Sooners’ players will be inspired to push themselves to new heights, to strive for greatness, and to create their own “Big Play” moments. The future of Oklahoma softball is bright, and with Shay Knighten at the helm, it’s going to be a wild ride.
