SAN DIEGO - San Diego head coach Jessica Pistole announced the addition of former All-American MJ Knighten and Southern Oregon standout Cheyenne Bricker as assistant coaches on Wednesday.
 
Pistole enters her first season leading the Toreros after winning the NAIA National Championship at Southern Oregon in 2019.
 
"With the addition of both Cheyenne and MJ, we cover a lot of the aspects of what it will take to build a strong foundation in the program," said Pistole. "They both do a great job of relating to our scholar-athletes, all while operating with a championship mentality and having high standards both on and off the field."
 
San Diego returns a wealth of experience with 15 letterwinners for the 2019-20 season.
 

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Knighten brings a wealth of elite softball experience to San Diego as a former standout at Nebraska and player with National Pro Fastpitch. The third baseman was selected 25th overall in the 2017 NPF Draft by the Scrap Yard Dawgs, who went on to win the NPF championship later that summer. Knighten played two seasons in the league before returning to collegiate softball as a graduate manager for Wichita State.
 
Knighten served the Shockers' program for one season, while earning her master's degree in sport management.
 
While at Nebraska, Knighten rewrote the record books, ending her career ranked in the top 10 in 10 different categories. She started 228 of 229 games at third base during her four-year career, while becoming the first four-time All-Big Ten selection in program history. Knighten also became the first Senior CLASS Award finalist for Nebraska softball, a NFCA First-Team All-American (2016), an Academic All-Big Ten selection (2015), and two-time First-Time All-Big Ten honoree (2015 and 2016).
 
Knighten led the Huskers in 2017 in hits, runs, walks, on-base percentage, and stolen bases. She totaled 12 multi-hit games and six games with multiple RBIs. In 2016, she ranked fifth in the nation in home runs, 13th in runs scored, 19th in RBIs, and 23rd in slugging percentage. Knighten ranks third all-time at Nebraska in RBIs, runs and total bases.
 
As a broadcasting major, Knighten was named to the Scholar-Athlete Honor Roll and earned the Nebraska Bronze Academic Medallion.
 
Coach Pistole on Knighten…
"There wasn't anyone who came more highly recommended in the softball world than MJ. She checks a lot of boxes in terms of on field experience, being an impact player on both sides of the game at a high level, and she has the maturity of a coach that goes way beyond her years of experience. Her journey in this game will allow her to guide our athletes everyday on and off the field."
 

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Bricker joins the Toreros after serving as an assistant coach at Southern Oregon for three seasons. After helping take Southern Oregon to the top of the NAIA in 2019, Bricker and the staff were named the NFCA's NAIA National Coaching Staff of the Year. She has mentored and coached the 2019 NFCA NAIA Pitcher of the Year, the 2018 NAIA Player of the Year, 2 All-Americans, one Academic All-American and one Conference Player of the Year.
 
While at Southern Oregon, Bricker played an integral role in transforming the program to new heights. She served in many roles at SOU, including various administrative duties, working with the pitching staff on a daily basis, pitch calling duties in games, and as the camp coordinator.
 
Before becoming an assistant coach in 2017, Bricker took the mound for the Raiders for one season under coach Pistole 2015. Bricker saw the most action on the mound that season, pitching 141 innings over 24 contests.
 
She earned her bachelor's in communication studies in 2015, graduating Cum Laude.
 
Coach Pistole on Bricker…
 
"Cheyenne was an integral part of my decision to come to USD because I am confident in her ability to take on any responsibilities I need. She knows the ins and outs of what it takes to build a championship program and has a relentless work ethic. She will bring valuable knowledge and experience to our pitching staff and many other aspects of San Diego softball."