TJ Knight joined the University of Illinois Springfield men’s soccer staff as an assistant coach in early 2026, bringing Division I playing experience and a development-focused approach to the Prairie Stars program.
Knight spent his collegiate career in the West Coast Conference, playing for both the University of San Francisco and Saint Mary’s College of California. Across four seasons, he appeared in more than 50 matches, logged over 2,000 minutes, and competed at multiple positions, gaining a broad understanding of the game at a high level.
Knight also spent six years developing in the Phoenix Rising FC Academy, signing a USL Academy contract in 2022 and making his professional debut with Phoenix Rising FC that same year. His experiences at the professional and collegiate levels have shaped a player-first mindset and a strong perspective on tactical growth and player development.
At UIS, Knight assists with training sessions, recruiting, player development, and match preparation, contributing to the Prairie Stars’ mission of developing student-athletes both on and off the field.
