Karlyn Pickens is a record-breaking NCAA softball pitcher for the Tennessee Lady Volunteers, known for her elite speed, dominant strikeouts, and historic fastball. Born in Weaverville, North Carolina, she’s quickly become one of the top collegiate athletes in the U.S., grabbing national headlines for her high-velocity pitches and fierce competitive edge.
Karlyn Pickens, the standout pitcher for the Tennessee Lady Volunteers, karlyn pickens height stands at 6 feet 1 inch (185 cm) tall.
Karlyn Pickens weight is approximately 170 to 180 pounds (77 to 82 kg).
Karlyn Pickens Parents are Phillip and Rebecca Pickens, who have been instrumental in her athletic development and personal growth.
📊 Karlyn Pickens Net Worth Growth (2020–2025)
| Year | Estimated Net Worth | Monthly Income | Annual Income |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $5,000 | $400 | $4,800 |
| 2021 | $15,000 | $1,250 | $15,000 |
| 2022 | $40,000 | $3,300 | $39,600 |
| 2023 | $75,000 | $6,250 | $75,000 |
| 2024 | $120,000 | $10,000 | $120,000 |
| 2025 | $150,000 | $12,500 | $150,000 |
Karlyn Pickens Bio
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Karlyn Pickens |
| Team | Tennessee Lady Volunteers (NCAA) |
| Position | Pitcher |
| Class (2025) | Junior |
| Hometown | Weaverville, North Carolina |
| Height | 6’1” |
| Throws | Right-handed |
| Fastest Pitch | 79.4 MPH (NCAA record) |
| Awards | 2× SEC Pitcher of the Year (2024, 2025) |
| Major | Kinesiology |
Karlyn Pickens Nil Deal Worth
| Date | Brand/Partner | Deal Type | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 08/25/24 | Weigel’s Stores | Product Endorsement | Local convenience store chain in Tennessee. |
| 06/03/24 | Hard Knox Pizza | Local Business Partnership | Knoxville-based pizzeria. |
| 04/03/24 | ONIT Athlete | Athlete Apparel | Sportswear brand. |
| 03/21/24 | Prime Video | Media Campaign | Amazon’s streaming platform. |
| 02/26/24 | Weigel’s Stores | Product Endorsement | Local convenience store chain in Tennessee. |
| 01/16/24 | Lady Vol Boost Her Club | Collective Sponsorship | Teamwide NIL deal with the Tennessee softball team. |
| 11/17/23 | Food City | Grocery Store Partnership | Regional supermarket chain. |
| 11/17/23 | Jewelry Television | Media Collaboration | TV network specializing in jewelry. |
| 09/11/23 | Lady Vol Pitching Clinic | Coaching Program | Softball pitching instruction. |
| 05/11/23 | Hally | Apparel Collaboration | Clothing brand. |
| 04/06/23 | ZIPS Car Wash | Service Promotion | Car wash service provider. |
| Date | Brand/Partner | Deal Type | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 08/25/24 | Weigel’s Stores | Product Endorsement | Local convenience store chain in Tennessee. |
| 06/03/24 | Hard Knox Pizza | Local Business Partnership | Knoxville-based pizzeria. |
| 04/03/24 | ONIT Athlete | Athlete Apparel | Sportswear brand. |
| 03/21/24 | Prime Video | Media Campaign | Amazon’s streaming platform. |
| 02/26/24 | Weigel’s Stores | Product Endorsement | Local convenience store chain in Tennessee. |
| 01/16/24 | Lady Vol Boost Her Club | Collective Sponsorship | Teamwide NIL deal with the Tennessee softball team. |
| 11/17/23 | Food City | Grocery Store Partnership | Regional supermarket chain. |
| 11/17/23 | Jewelry Television | Media Collaboration | TV network specializing in jewelry. |
| 09/11/23 | Lady Vol Pitching Clinic | Coaching Program | Softball pitching instruction. |
| 05/11/23 | Hally | Apparel Collaboration | Clothing brand. |
| 04/06/23 | ZIPS Car Wash | Service Promotion | Car wash service provider. |
🏆 Early Life and High School Dominance
Pickens began her softball career at North Buncombe High School, where she quickly gained national attention. As a multi-sport athlete (volleyball, basketball, and softball), she demonstrated elite athleticism and maturity beyond her years.
She capped off her senior year with:
- A 13–1 record
- 0.29 ERA
- 176 strikeouts in 72 innings
- Gatorade North Carolina Player of the Year
Her impressive performances earned her a spot on Team USA U-18, where she competed globally and further showcased her talent.
🐊 Commitment to Tennessee Lady Vols
Karlyn Pickens officially committed to the University of Tennessee, drawn by the school’s SEC competition, academic support, and legacy of producing elite pitchers like Monica Abbott.
Her college decision was influenced by her desire to push herself at the highest level of collegiate softball.
🎯 Freshman Year (2023): Instant Impact
As a true freshman, Karlyn made waves:
- 8–7 record, 2.39 ERA
- 119 strikeouts in 88 innings
- Named SEC Freshman of the Year
- Dominated in postseason play during the NCAA Regional with 13 strikeouts vs. Indiana
Her composure and control as a freshman pitcher impressed analysts and fans alike, setting the foundation for a standout career.
💥 Sophomore Breakout (2024): A Powerhouse Emerges
In 2024, Pickens transformed from prospect to powerhouse:
- 21–7 record
- 1.96 ERA over 156.2 innings
- 203 strikeouts
- Led Tennessee to the SEC regular-season title
She became known for her explosive fastball, strategic pitch selection, and command of the game.
🏅 Honors:
- SEC Pitcher of the Year (2024)
- USA Softball Player of the Year Top 25 finalist
- First-team All-SEC
🚀 Junior Year (2025): Record Breaker
Pickens made history in 2025 by throwing the fastest pitch in NCAA softball history — 79.4 mph — during Super Regionals vs. Nebraska.
Her season stats:
- 25–11 record
- 1.17 ERA
- 306 strikeouts in 226.2 innings
- Opponents hit only .176 against her
🏆 Awards:
- SEC Pitcher of the Year (back-to-back)
- Softball America Pitcher of the Year
Her dominance on the mound has redefined what’s possible in women’s softball.
🏟️ Women’s College World Series (2025)
Karlyn was the backbone of Tennessee’s deep WCWS run:
🔸 vs Oklahoma:
- 6 IP, 3 hits, 7 Ks — held the defending champs to 1 run.
🔸 vs UCLA:
- Pitched 9 innings, 149 pitches
- Led Vols to a 5–4 win
🔸 vs Texas:
- Battled hard, but Tennessee was eliminated in a 2–0 loss
Despite falling short of a national title, Karlyn’s WCWS performances showed grit, endurance, and elite-level poise under pressure.
📈 Career Stats Summary (As of June 2025)
| Year | W–L | ERA | IP | Strikeouts | Opp. AVG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 8–7 | 2.39 | 88.0 | 119 | .215 |
| 2024 | 21–7 | 1.96 | 156.2 | 203 | .198 |
| 2025 | 25–11 | 1.17 | 226.2 | 306 | .176 |
| Total | 54–25 | 1.63 | 471.4 | 628 | .193 |
🔥 What Makes Karlyn Pickens Special?
- Elite velocity: Fastest pitch ever recorded in NCAA softball (79.4 mph)
- Mental toughness: Exceptional under pressure, thrives in high-stakes moments
- Durability: Willing to throw 140+ pitches and still dominate
- Control + Power: Rare combination of pinpoint command and overpowering speed
🤔 Is Karlyn Pickens the Next Monica Abbott?
Comparisons to Tennessee legend Monica Abbott are inevitable. While Abbott still holds several career NCAA records, Pickens is on pace to rival or exceed them in terms of strikeouts and impact. Both are tall, dominant righties with elite fastballs.
Pickens is carving her own legacy — and rewriting the expectations for future NCAA pitchers.
📲 Where to Follow Karlyn Pickens
Want to keep up with her journey?
- Tennessee Lady Vols Roster
- Instagram: Likely via @LadyVol_Softball (official team account)
- Twitter/X: @LadyVol_Sftball (check for game day highlights)
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How old is Karlyn Pickens?
Karlyn Pickens was born on January 9, 2004, in Weaverville, North Carolina. As of today, June 3, 2025, she is 21 years old.
Karlyn Pickens salary?
As of June 2025, Karlyn Pickens, the standout pitcher for the Tennessee Lady Volunteers, does not receive a traditional salary as a collegiate athlete.
✅ How fast does Karlyn Pickens pitch?
She broke the NCAA record with a 79.4 mph pitch in 2025.
✅ What awards has she won?
- 2× SEC Pitcher of the Year (2024, 2025)
- SEC Freshman of the Year (2023)
- Softball America Pitcher of the Year (2025)
✅ How tall is Karlyn Pickens?
She stands 6’1”, giving her a natural advantage in leverage and pitch angle.
✅ Will she play professionally?
While she has not officially declared, she is considered a top pro prospect and likely a future member of Team USA.
🧭 Conclusion: The Future is Bright
Karlyn Pickens has already made NCAA history — and she’s not done yet. Whether she’s setting strikeout records, shattering pitch-speed barriers, or leading her team in pressure games, she continues to raise the bar for what a pitcher can be.
She’s not just a rising star — she’s a force redefining softball.
