Karlyn Pickens, a pitcher for the Lady Vols, throws the fastest fastball in the history of college softball.

Karlyn Pickens, a dominant pitcher for the Tennessee Lady Volunteers, has taken the college softball world by storm with her record-breaking fastball. Known for her velocity, precision, and tactical prowess, Pickens has set a new standard for pitching, making her one of the most electrifying players in the NCAA. Her remarkable skill set, combined with a relentless work ethic and dedication to the sport, has solidified her reputation as one of the most feared pitchers in college softball history.

The Emergence of a Softball Phenomenon

Hailing from North Carolina, Karlyn Pickens was recognized early for her incredible pitching ability. She gained national attention during her high school career at North Buncombe High School, where she was a standout athlete, earning numerous accolades for her performances in the circle. By the time she committed to the University of Tennessee, she was already regarded as one of the top pitching prospects in the country.

Pickens’ arrival at Tennessee was highly anticipated, and she did not disappoint. From the moment she stepped onto the field for the Lady Vols, she demonstrated the power, control, and confidence that set her apart from her peers. With an explosive fastball reaching speeds of 75 mph—an unheard-of velocity in women’s collegiate softball—she quickly established herself as a force to be reckoned with.

The Fastest Fastball in College Softball History

While many elite pitchers rely on spin and movement, Pickens’ sheer speed is what makes her so dominant. She routinely throws her fastball at speeds above 72 mph, with some radar guns clocking her at an unprecedented 75 mph. To put that into perspective, a 75 mph pitch in softball, given the shorter distance between the mound and home plate, is equivalent to a 105 mph fastball in baseball.

This kind of speed not only overwhelms batters but also forces them to make split-second decisions, leading to mistimed swings, foul balls, and a high number of strikeouts. Pickens’ ability to maintain such velocity deep into games is a testament to her physical conditioning and stamina.

Beyond Speed: The Complete Pitching Package

Although Pickens’ fastball is her signature pitch, what makes her truly special is her ability to mix it with an arsenal of effective off-speed and breaking pitches.

Rise Ball: One of her most deceptive pitches, the rise ball looks like a fastball but jumps out of the strike zone at the last moment, making it nearly impossible for batters to square up.
Drop Ball: This pitch dives downward, often inducing ground balls and keeping hitters off balance.
Change-Up: Despite having one of the fastest fastballs in history, Pickens effectively utilizes her change-up to disrupt the timing of hitters. The stark difference in velocity makes it one of her deadliest weapons.

Tennessee head coach Karen Weekly has been instrumental in helping Pickens refine her approach on the mound. While Pickens has always relied heavily on her fastball, Coach Weekly strategically reduced its use in fall training sessions, forcing her to develop and perfect her secondary pitches. The result? A more complete pitcher with a devastating combination of speed, movement, and deception.

Breaking Records and Setting the Standard

Pickens has already shattered multiple records during her time at Tennessee. Some of her most notable achievements include:

Fastest Recorded Pitch in College Softball: With her fastball reaching 75 mph, Pickens now holds the record for the fastest pitch ever thrown in NCAA history.
Career-High Strikeouts: On February 15, 2025, Pickens recorded 15 strikeouts in a single game against Tulsa, showcasing her dominance on the mound.
Endurance and Toughness: On May 25, 2024, she pitched a grueling 9.1-inning game against Alabama, demonstrating both her stamina and mental toughness in high-pressure situations.

The Impact on College Softball

Karlyn Pickens’ record-breaking performances are not just personal milestones; they are shaping the future of college softball. Her presence on the mound forces hitters to elevate their game and adjust to an unprecedented level of velocity. Additionally, her success is inspiring a new generation of young pitchers to focus on power and strength training to develop faster pitches.

Softball analysts and fans alike have compared her to legendary pitchers like Monica Abbott and Cat Osterman, who were game-changers in their own right. However, Pickens’ ability to consistently throw in the mid-70s suggests that she is carving out a legacy uniquely her own.

Future Outlook: What’s Next for Pickens?

With still more time left in her collegiate career, the sky is the limit for Karlyn Pickens. She has the potential to break even more records, win national championships, and eventually make her mark at the professional and international levels.

The Women’s College World Series (WCWS): As Tennessee continues to build a championship-caliber team, Pickens’ dominance in the circle will be a crucial factor in their quest for a national title.
Professional and Olympic Aspirations: With the reintroduction of softball into the Olympics, Pickens has a clear path to representing Team USA in future competitions. Given her talent, it’s only a matter of time before she earns a spot on the national team.
Inspiration for the Next Generation: Her performances are already influencing young pitchers across the country. Expect to see more players focusing on velocity as a key component of their development in the years to come.

A Star Who’s Just Getting Started

Karlyn Pickens has already rewritten the record books, but her journey is far from over. With a combination of power, intelligence, and resilience, she is poised to leave an indelible mark on college softball. As she continues to develop and refine her game, fans can expect even more jaw-dropping performances from this once-in-a-generation talent.

Her record-breaking fastball is just the beginning. Pickens is not only redefining what is possible in college softball but also inspiring the next wave of young pitchers who dream of achieving greatness. If her current trajectory is any indication, we are witnessing the rise of a legend in the making.