Mt. SAC Head Baseball Coach John Knott enters his tenth season in 2026 with an outstanding overall coaching record of 233-129 (.644). Over the past decade, Knott has established Mt. SAC as one of the premier programs in California community college baseball, combining competitive excellence with a strong commitment to player development.

The 2025 season marked a historic high point under Knott’s leadership, as he guided the Mounties to their first 3C2A State Championship in 60 years. The team finished with a dominant 45-6 overall record and an impressive 22-2 mark in South Coast Conference (SCC) play, capturing another conference title along the way. For his efforts, Knott was honored with several major coaching awards, including ABCA/ATEC National Coach of the Year (Pacific Association Division), ABCA/ATEC Regional Coach of the Year, and SCC Coach of the Year.

Knott’s players also earned national and regional recognition in 2025. Landon White was named the ABCA Rawlings National Position Player of the Year (Pacific Association Division), Region Position Player of the Year, and a First-Team All-American. Izeah Muniz earned titles as the Region Pitcher of the Year and a First-Team All-American. White was also recognized as the SCC Most Valuable Player, highlighting the high-caliber talent developed under Knott’s guidance.

Since taking the helm, Knott has led Mt. SAC to four SCC championships (2018, 2019, 2022, 2025), as well as deep postseason runs, including an appearance in the 3C2A State Championship Tournament in 2018 and the SoCal Sectionals in 2019. The Mounties were off to a promising start in 2020 with a 13-8 record before the season was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Returning stronger after the pandemic, Knott was named SCC Coach of the Year in 2022 after leading Mt. SAC to a 33-10 season and state-best marks in runs scored and on-base percentage. His teams are known not only for their winning culture but also for their explosive offense and discipline on the field.

Equally impressive is Knott’s track record of player advancement. He has helped over 110 student-athletes move on to four-year college programs, with many earning scholarships and continuing their playing careers. Among the standout players he has coached are Michael Sandoval (2019 SCC MVP), Elijah Greene (2018 SCC MVP and ABCA Rawlings All-American), Zach Bromstead (2018 ABCA Rawlings All-American), and Jacob Kampen (2018 SCC Most Valuable Pitcher).

A four-time SCC North Division Baseball Coach of the Year (2018, 2019, 2022, 2025), John Knott continues to build on a legacy of excellence, elevating Mt. SAC Baseball to new heights year after year.

JOHN KNOTT COACHING HISTORY: 

Knott joined the Mt. SAC family in September 2016 as a full-time professor of kinesiology and head baseball coach. Before taking the helm at Mt. SAC, Knott established himself as one of the most successful high school baseball coaches in the region. From 2005 to 2016, he built a powerhouse program at Bonita High School, where he led the Bearcats to the CIF Championship in 2012 with a 30-win season and an undefeated league record (12-0).

During his tenure at Bonita, Knott achieved 15 consecutive winning seasons, guided his teams to nine CIF Playoff appearances, and compiled an impressive overall record of 246-75-2 (.762 winning percentage) and a league record of 103-33 (.752 winning percentage) as of May 2016.

Knott’s exceptional leadership earned him numerous accolades, including being named the 2013 California Baseball Coach of the Year, 2012 CIF Coach of the Year, 2012 San Gabriel Valley Coach of the Year, and Daily Bulletin Coach of the Year in both 2010 and 2012. Prior to his time at Bonita, Knott coached at San Dimas High School and Azusa Pacific University.

A proud alumnus of Azusa Pacific University, Knott holds a master’s degree in physical education and a bachelor’s degree in psychology.

Knott and his wife, Samya, live in La Verne with their two children, son Dylan and daughter Vivianna. In his free time, he enjoys spending quality time with his family and watching baseball games.

updated on 06/30/25