VIERA, FL. (June 10, 2019) – The USSSA Florida Pride has signed Oklahoma Sooner “Big Play Shay” Shay Knighten to a one year contract team officials announced today.
Drafted 20th overall by the Pride in the 2019 NPF Draft, this clutch hitting performer finished her college career with a 360 lifetime batting average with 247 hits and 148 runs scored. Shay first put her name in lights after being selected the most outstanding player in the 2017 WCWS. Then, throughput her college career – her legacy has been coming up with the big hit at the right time. Even during her final 2 games against UCLA, in her final at bat with 2 outs and her college season coming to an end, Knighten solo homered in the 7th inning to tie up the score.
“With the addition of Shay, a pure right handed hitter, her bat helps round out a predominately left handed hitting lineup,” remarked Don DeDonatis, Pride General Manager. “She gives the Pride coaching staff more flexibility in adjusting to game conditions. If there was just one swing left in a game, or in a championship, without a doubt you would want that bat in Shay’s hands”.
Knighten joins former Sooner teammates Sydney Romero, Falepolima Aviu, Nicole and Shelby Pendley, Paige Parker and Keilani Ricketts making it an impressive Oklahoma alumni Pride family this season.
The four-time Cowles Cup champion and seven-time NPF regular season champion USSSA Florida Pride will be back in action at the Space Coast Stadium in Viera, FL on June 18th. For more information about the Pride or to purchase tickets, please visit USSSAFLORIDAPRIDE.com.
About USSSA
USSSA is headquartered in Viera, Florida. USSSA is the world’s largest
multi-sport athletic organization. Founded in 1968, USSSA has grown to over 4
million participants, competing in 14 nationally sanctioned sports including
Baseball, Fastpitch, Slow Pitch, Karate, Basketball, Soccer and more! For more
information about USSSA, visit www.usssa.com and follow USSSA on Facebook,
Instagram, and Twitter
About National Pro Fastpitch
National Pro Fastpitch (NPF), an Official Development Partner of Major League Baseball since 2004 provides elite female athletes with an opportunity to pursue a professional career in fastpitch softball beyond their collegiate and amateur success. The NPF affiliate teams consist of the Aussie Peppers, Beijing Eagles, Canadian Wild, Chicago Bandits, Cleveland Comets and USSSA Florida Pride for the 2019 season. National Pro Fastpitch players hail from the United States, Australia, Canada and China among which are the most accomplished and talented athletes in the sport of women’s softball.