Cassady Knudsen - Softball Coach

Cassady Knudsen

Title:
Graduate Manager

After turning in a stellar career within the circle, former Bulldog and current member of the American Softball Association, Cassady Knudsen returns to Starkville as a graduate manager for the 2018 season, head coach Vann Stuedeman announced in August of 2018.

Knudsen donned the Maroon and White for Mississippi State over the 2015-2018 seasons. Knudsen closed her career tied for the first in solo no-hitters (2), second in strikeouts per seven innings (7.34), fifth in opponent batting average (.223), ninth in strikeouts (277) and tied for 10th in shutouts.

Over her freshman season, Knudsen appeared in 21 games, mainly seeing action in relief. She held a perfect 2-0 record in the circle with a 4.94 earned run average over 45.1 innings of work. She recorded at least five strikeouts in two of her appearances that season.

Knudsen saw her role expand as a sophomore, seeing action in 19 contents with five starts. Once again, she held an undefeated record in the circle with a 4-0 mark. She tossed a total of 37 innings and tossed the first no-hitter of her career with an 8-0 victory over Acorn State on May 9, 2016.

As a junior, Knudsen appeared in 22 contests and held a 9-4 record in the circle. She finished 20th in the country with a 2.20 earned run average over her 73.1 innings of work. Knudsen held opponents to a .181 batting average, which was the third-lowest mark in single-season history and the lowest by a Bulldog since the 2013 season. As a junior, Knudsen placed third in the SEC in strikeouts per seven innings (7.35) and fifth in hits per seven innings (4.39).

Last season, Knudsen split time with fellow senior Holly Ward as MSU's primary starters. Knudsen held a 13-9 record and appeared in a career-high 28 contests. She posted five shutouts en route to a 2.77 earned run average. She also set a career high with 136 strikeouts in just 108.2 innings pitched.

Knudsen was the No. 1 overall pick of the inaugural American Softball Association draft, being selected by Moh-BEEL! USA.

In her rookie season, Knudsen appeared in 19 contests and posted a 12-3 record in the circle. She allowed just 21 earned runs over 104.0 innings, to post a team-leading 1.41 earned run average. She also struck out a team-high 84 batters and held opponents to a .194 average.

Her efforts earned her First Team All-ASBA honors, and she was named ASBA Pitcher of the Year.

The daughter of Julie and Brad Knudsen, she was born in Des Moines, Iowa, on January 18, 1996. She has won brother, Cole, and one sister, Kelsey. She earned her degree in biological sciences last year and is currently pursing a graduate degree.