Knoxville's new professional softball team, the Knoxville Miracle, will be coached by former Lady Vols assistants Craig Snider and Stephanie Sanders, starting in 2027. Snider, previously the hitting coach and head coach at Texas Tech, will serve as head coach, while Sanders will be his assistant. The duo, who married in 2024, expressed excitement about their roles and commitment to the local community. Their hiring follows a mutual decision to part ways with the Lady Vols after the recent season. The Miracle is set to be Knoxville's first professional softball team, aided by the city's longstanding support for collegiate softball.

By the Numbers
  • Knoxville Miracle to begin play in the Professional Softball League in 2027.
  • Craig Snider and Stephanie Sanders were with the Lady Vols for two years.
State of Play
  • The Professional Softball League announced the Knoxville expansion on April 6.
  • Knoxville has a strong softball reputation, evidenced by the Lady Vols' 10 Women's College World Series appearances.
What's Next

The Miracle's inaugural season will kick off in 2027, and the coaching staff aims to enhance the local softball community and attract fans through their professional endeavors.

Bottom Line

The emergence of the Knoxville Miracle reflects a growing commitment to professional softball, rooted in a strong local support system, promising exciting opportunities for athletes and the community alike.