Head Coach, Bridgette McKnight: Varsity Girls Basketball

Being back at Peddie has felt like coming home. McKnight ’10, who played basketball at Peddie, is head coach for varsity girls basketball.

“The most rewarding part for me is being able to give back to a school and a program that has given me so much,” McKnight said. “Peddie and the Peddie girls basketball team has shaped me into the person I am today. Being able to pass that down and shape the next generation of Falcons resonates with me on a very personal level because I have seen the impact first-hand.”

McKnight said she is looking forward to the team getting to experience some of the moments that hold personal significance for her from her time at Peddie. On the court, she played a significant part in the highly-successful varsity girls basketball team that dominated under the leadership of Coach Sean Casey. And she hopes to take her success on the court to lead the Falcons. As a player from 2007-10, the Falcons won four state championships, four MAPL Championships and an ESPN RISE National Championship. She also played varsity field hockey and was a thrower on the track and field team.

“I had the best experience at Peddie when I was a student, so it was a no-brainer when I was able to come back to the Peddie community,” she said. “Being back at Peddie has felt like coming home.”

Her coaching philosophies are continuous improvement, creating a whole athlete and fostering a team family with a winning mindset.

“So much of the connections I have made with my players over the years center around not only me helping them navigate the game but also helping my student-athletes navigate life,” she said. “At the end of the day, basketball is just a game, but the lessons you learn playing are so much bigger than that. I hope to build character in my players through inspiring leadership, encouraging growth, cultivating adaptability and promoting commitment and accountability.”

McKnight said her parents have always been there as her biggest supporters. Former coach Sean Casey is another inspiration to her as well. 

“The way he knew us as players and tailored his coaching to fit all of our personalities was truly impressive,” she said. “He knew how to push us to our limits and bring out the best in each of us, but he did that differently for each of us.”

Outside of Peddie, McKnight enjoys reading and cooking when not at work or in the gym. She also loves spending time with her friends and family.