History of Karlyn Pickens in Timeline

Karlyn Pickens is an American college softball pitcher for the Tennessee Volunteers. She is notable for holding the NCAA record for the fastest pitch ever recorded in softball, reaching a speed of 79.4 miles per hour (127.8 km/h). This achievement marks her as a prominent figure in collegiate softball.

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Full Timeline

January 9, 2004: Karlyn Pickens born

On January 9, 2004, Karlyn Pickens was born. She would later become an American college softball pitcher for Tennessee and set the NCAA record for the fastest pitch.

Others born on this day/year

2012: Previous record set by Monica Abbott

In 2012, Monica Abbott set the previous record of 77 miles per hour (124 km/h), for the fastest softball pitch.

November 11, 2021: Signed national letter of intent to play college softball at Tennessee

On November 11, 2021, Karlyn Pickens signed her national letter of intent to play college softball at Tennessee.

2021: Named North Carolina Gatorade Softball Player of the Year

In 2021, during her junior year at North Buncombe High School, Karlyn Pickens achieved a 12–1 record with a 0.41 ERA and 207 strikeouts. She was subsequently named the North Carolina Gatorade Softball Player of the Year.

2022: Ranked as No. 2 pitcher for the class of 2022

In 2022, Karlyn Pickens was ranked as the No. 2 pitcher and No. 5 overall player for the class of 2022 by Extra Inning Softball.

2023: Named SEC Freshman of the Year

During the 2023 season, as a freshman, Karlyn Pickens appeared in 28 games and posted a 9–7 record. Following the season, she was named SEC Freshman of the Year.

2024: Named SEC Pitcher of the Year

During the 2024 season, as a sophomore, Karlyn Pickens appeared in 38 games and posted a 22–7 record. Following the season, she was named SEC Pitcher of the Year and a top-ten finalist for the USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year.

March 24, 2025: Set record for fastest pitch in NCAA softball history

On March 24, 2025, in a game against Arkansas, Karlyn Pickens set the record for the fastest pitch ever thrown in NCAA softball history at 78.2 miles per hour.

May 24, 2025: Set new fastest pitch record

On May 24, 2025, during the Super Regionals of the 2025 NCAA Division I softball tournament against Nebraska, Karlyn Pickens set a new fastest pitch record at 79.4 miles per hour.