Tony McKnight

Bio

Tony McKnight enters his second season as Head Softball Coach at Texas A&M University–Texarkana, bringing a unique blend of professional and collegiate experience to the Eagles program. A proud TAMUT alumnus (Class of 2016), McKnight’s deep ties to both the university and the Texarkana community underscore his passion and commitment to building a strong foundation for Eagle Softball.

In his first season at the helm, McKnight led the Eagles to their second-ever NAIA National Tournament appearance—advancing farther than any team in program history. Under his leadership, the team finished with a 41-12 record and made a statement on the national stage. He also coached Madison Dingman, who earned First Team All-American honors and led the nation in batting average.

A former Major League Baseball pitcher, McKnight was selected 22nd overall in the first round of the 1995 MLB Amateur Draft by the Houston Astros. He went on to play two seasons at the highest level with the Astros and Pittsburgh Pirates, showcasing the elite skill and discipline that define his coaching philosophy today.

Following his playing career, McKnight transitioned into coaching, beginning in 2015 as an assistant with the TAMUT baseball team. He joined the softball program as an assistant coach the year prior to taking over as head coach.

Now leading the program, McKnight leverages his wealth of experience to mentor and develop student-athletes both on and off the field. With a focus on fundamentals, teamwork, and competitive excellence, he continues to elevate the program and instill a winning mindset in his players.