In the world of college softball, few stories are as compelling as that of Karlyn Pickens. Born on January 9, 2004, in Weaverville, North Carolina, Karlyn’s journey from a small-town dreamer to an NCAA star is a testament to her unwavering dedication, exceptional talent, and the support of a close-knit family.
From a young age, Karlyn exhibited a passion for sports. She was a three-sport athlete at North Buncombe High School, excelling in softball, basketball, and volleyball. In softball, she quickly made a name for herself, posting a remarkable 12–1 record with a 0.41 ERA during her junior year. Her performance earned her the North Carolina Gatorade Softball Player of the Year award in 2021, a significant achievement that highlighted her potential
Karlyn’s prowess on the field was complemented by her academic excellence. She maintained a weighted GPA of 4.18, demonstrating her commitment to both her studies and her athletic pursuits. Her dedication was further recognized when she was named the Western Mountain All-Conference Female Athlete of the Year in 2020, underscoring her versatility and excellence across multiple sports .
Her journey to collegiate softball began with her commitment to the University of Tennessee. In November 2021, she signed her national letter of intent to play for the Lady Volunteers, marking the beginning of her transition from high school standout to collegiate athlete
At Tennessee, Karlyn’s impact was immediate. In her freshman season (2023), she appeared in 28 games, starting 16, and posted a 9–7 record with a 3.05 ERA and 99 strikeouts. Her performance earned her the SEC Freshman of the Year award, signaling her arrival as a formidable force in college softball
The following year, Karlyn’s game reached new heights. In the 2024 season, she appeared in 38 games, starting 27, and achieved a 22–7 record with a 1.12 ERA and 225 strikeouts. Her dominance on the mound earned her the SEC Pitcher of the Year award, making her only the second Lady Vol to receive this honor. Additionally, she was named a consensus First Team All-American and was a top-ten finalist for the USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year .
In 2025, Karlyn’s legacy continued to grow. She set a new NCAA record for the fastest pitch ever thrown at 79.4 mph during a Super Regional game against Nebraska. Her performance that season included 37 appearances, 27 starts, and a 22–8 record with a 0.90 ERA and 252 strikeouts. Her exceptional play earned her the SEC Pitcher of the Year award for the second consecutive year, making her one of only five pitchers in SEC history to achieve this feat. She was also named Softball America’s Pitcher of the Year, solidifying her status as one of the premier pitchers in college softball
Off the field, Karlyn’s character shines just as brightly. She is known for her humility, work ethic, and dedication to her teammates. Her family has been a cornerstone of her journey, with her father, Phillip, serving as her first coach and unwavering supporter. Together, they founded “See the Light: With Courage,” a nonprofit organization aimed at supporting mental health awareness in the military, inspired by her brother Kolton’s experiences .
Karlyn’s story is one of perseverance, passion, and the pursuit of excellence. From her early days in Weaverville to becoming a record-breaking NCAA star, she has exemplified what it means to chase one’s dreams relentlessly. Her journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes everywhere, proving that with dedication and support, even the loftiest of dreams can become reality
