The Salisbury athletics flock is losing a longtime Sea Gull.
On Tuesday, Salisbury University softball’s head coach Margie Knight announced her decision to retire at the end of the 2020 season.
“It is a bitter-sweet decision I make to step away from my role with the Salisbury softball program, as the program and University have been such a large part of my life,” Knight said in a news release.
“It has been an honor to teach the hundreds of amazing young women who came through our program and most importantly off the diamond as they have gone on to become role models for their families, communities and in their professional lives.”
The 2018 inductee into the National Fastpitch Coaches Association Hall of Fame has compiled an overall record of 829-206-2 in 23 seasons. She also sits in 11th all-time in winning percentage across all NCAA divisions.
Knight has reached the NCAA finals three times with nine College World Series appearances, 20 Tournament berths and 18 Capital Athletic Conference (CAC) Championships. Her tenure has seen 38 All-Americans, 116 All-Region players and 184 All-CAC selections.
Knight also served as the head coach for the Salisbury volleyball team from 1997-2012. The team reached secured eight CAC championships and reached the NCAA tournament eight times in her tenure.
But her flight with the Gulls began before her coaching days. Knight was a team captain for softball, women’s basketball and volleyball for two years and was inducted into the Salisbury Athletics Hall of Fame in 1995, with the Maryland State Softball Hall of Fame to follow in 2008.
Dr. Gerry DiBartolo, Salisbury’s Director of Athletics and Campus Recreation, said Knight found success through her passion to coach her players on and off the field.
“Margie is a respected colleague, but most importantly, an outstanding coach dedicated to supporting the student-athletes,” DiBartolo said in the news release. “We look forward to the entire Salisbury community celebrating with her this year as she closes out her storied Sea Gull career and we wish her nothing but the best in retirement.”
According to the news release, a national search for the next head coach of the softball team will begin in the spring.
By NICK LEWIS
Sports editor
Featured photo: Emma Reider image.