History of Karlyn Pickens in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 6, 2026

Karlyn Pickens is an American college softball pitcher for the Tennessee Volunteers. She is notable for holding the NCAA softball record for the fastest pitch ever recorded, at 79.4 miles per hour (127.8 km/h). Her achievement marks a significant moment in collegiate softball, highlighting her exceptional talent and power as a pitcher.

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Full Timeline

January 9, 2004: Karlyn Pickens Born

On January 9, 2004, Karlyn Pickens was born. She is an American college softball pitcher for Tennessee.

Others born on this day/year

2012: Monica Abbott's fastest pitch record

In 2012, Monica Abbott set the record for fastest pitch in softball, a record Karlyn Pickens would later break.

November 11, 2021: Signed Letter of Intent with Tennessee

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

2021: North Carolina Gatorade Softball Player of the Year

In 2021, during her junior year at North Buncombe High School, Karlyn Pickens posted a 12–1 record with a 0.41 ERA, 207 strikeouts, allowing only 12 hits and 21 walks in 85 innings. Following this season, she was named North Carolina Gatorade Softball Player of the Year.

2022: Ranked as No. 2 Pitcher

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, with 16 starts, posting a 9–7 record and two saves, with a 3.05 ERA and 99 strikeouts. 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, with 27 starts, posting a 22–7 record and one save, with a 1.12 ERA, 225 strikeouts, 15 complete games and 12 shutouts. 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 79.4 miles per hour (127.8 km/h).

May 24, 2025: Set a 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 (127.8 km/h).