John Knighten is in his fourth year as head coach of the seventh year women's soccer program at Southern University. Knighten brings 25 years of coaching experience to the lady Jaguars, coaching at the high school and club levels.

Coach Knighten assumes the reign after two years as assistant coach, three years of retirement and serving 34 years in the chemical industry.

Knighten grew up in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He attended Cheneyville High School where he played football and ran track. The founder and director of the Jaguars Soccer Club from 1976 - 2001 has placed over 100 soccer players into collegiate programs. One of his former players, Jason Kreis plays in Major League Soccer for the Real Salt Lake.

Prior to accepting the position, Knighten spent 13 years at Baton Rouge Magnet High school coaching the boys and girls soccer teams. His Under -19 Jaguar club team was runner-up National Champions in 1991. During his tenure with the club team they traveled around the world and participated in the Sweden Tournament, the Norway Cup, the Dana Cup, the Gothic Cup and the Birmingham football festival.

Knighten is a member and deacon at Mount Pilgrim Baptist Church. He is married to Margaret. The couple has one son, John Junior and a daughter Martita and three granddaughters. One of those ladies, Jilian Knighten, played soccer for the Southeastern Louisiana University Lady Lions.