Nighthawk Highlights
2026:
-- PBC Preseason All-Conference Team
2025:
-- D2CCA First Team All-American
-- Diamond Sports/NFCA Catcher of the Year
-- NFCA First Team All-American
-- NFCA Freshman of the Year
-- NFCA Southeast All-Region First Team
-- PBC All-Tournament Team
-- PBC Freshman of the Year
-- PBC All-Conference First Team
-- PBC Player of the Week - April 14, 2025
-- NFCA National Player of the Week - April 8, 2025
-- PBC Player of the Week - April 7, 2025
-- Chick-fil-a Nighthawk of the Week - April 7, 2025
-- PBC Freshman of the Week - March 24, 2025
-- PBC Player of the Week - March 3, 2025
-- Chick-fil-a Nighthawk of the Week - Mar. 3, 2025
-- PBC Freshman of the Week - Feb. 10, 2025
Career Highs
-- Batting Average: .384 (2025)
-- Runs: 60 (2025)
-- Hits: 76 (2025)
-- RBI: 70 (2025)
-- Home Runs: 21 (2025)
-- Walks Drawn: 24 (2025)
-- Slugging Percentage: .803 (2025)
-- Stolen Bases: 13 (2025)
-- Putouts: 309 (2025)
-- Assists: 38 (2025)
2025 Season
In her first season with North Georgia, Knowles showcased one of the most decorated freshman seasons in UNG softball history. Knowles started all 64 games for the Nighthawks and posted a .384 batting average in 198 at-bats to go along with 76 hits, 60 runs scored, 21 home runs and 70 RBIs. Knowles’ 70 RBIs led the Peach Belt Conference (PBC) and was the fifth most by any player in Division II in 2025. She also ranked top 10 in the PBC in doubles (18), hits (76), home runs (21), RBIs (70), RBIs per game (1.09), runs per game (.94), sac flies (4), stolen bases (13) and total bases (159).
On Apr. 13, 2025, Knowles broke the UNG softball single-season record with her 20th home run of the season, breaking Margaret Simmons’ record of 19 set in 2021. Knowles’ 21 total home runs this season was the second most by any player in Division II softball. She climbed the UNG softball single-season rankings even more with her slugging percentage (3rd in program history), RBIs (3rd in program history) and 159 total bases (2nd in program history).
The Road to UNG
Knowles came to UNG after completing a remarkable career at The Westfield School in Hawkinsville, Georgia. The catcher played four seasons with the Hornets, winning a state championship each year. Knowles was a three-time Georgia Independent Athletic Association (GIAA) Class AAA All-State Selection. As a junior, she hit .567 at the plate with a pair of home runs, 10 doubles and 25 total RBI. She led her team to a whopping 28-0 season and a GIAA Class AAA State Championship. The following season, Knowles was dominant again as she led her team to a 30-3 record and a stunning seventh consecutive GIAA State Championship. She was eventually named the 2023-24 GIAA Class AAA Player of the Year.
