Karlyn Pickens Named Tennessee Vols Softball MVP, Honored with Prestigious National Award

In a season filled with remarkable performances, emotional victories, and fierce competition, one name stood out consistently—Karlyn Pickens. The sophomore phenom has been officially named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the Tennessee Lady Volunteers softball team for the 2025 season, capping off a sensational year that firmly cements her status as one of the premier talents in collegiate softball.

But the accolades don’t stop there.

Pickens was also awarded the USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year, one of the most prestigious honors in the sport. This national recognition is a testament not only to her incredible skill and tenacity on the field but also to her leadership, perseverance, and impact on the game as a whole.

Her journey to the top has been nothing short of inspirational.

When Karlyn Pickens arrived on campus in Knoxville in 2023, she was already turning heads as a highly touted recruit from Weaverville, North Carolina. A standout at North Buncombe High School and a member of the U.S. Junior National Team, expectations were sky-high. Even so, few could have predicted just how swiftly she would ascend.

Pickens burst onto the scene in her freshman year, showcasing a fastball that touched the high 60s, a wicked rise ball, and a calm demeanor well beyond her years. But it was in 2025, as a sophomore, that she evolved from a promising young talent into the backbone of the Tennessee pitching staff and one of the most feared players in NCAA Division I softball.

This season, Pickens posted a staggering 27-5 record, a 1.11 ERA, and 296 strikeouts in 195 innings pitched, anchoring a Lady Vols squad that advanced to the Women’s College World Series (WCWS) for the second consecutive year. She threw nine shutouts, including two no-hitters, and held opponents to a microscopic .148 batting average.

Her dominance was not just statistical—it was palpable. Whether she was striking out the side in a tight seventh inning or calmly diffusing a bases-loaded jam, Pickens thrived under pressure.

“She’s the kind of pitcher who can take over a game at any moment,” said Tennessee head coach Karen Weekly. “But what really sets Karlyn apart is her work ethic, her poise, and her unwavering commitment to this team.”

While her numbers were certainly MVP-worthy, it was Pickens’ leadership off the field that helped galvanize the 2025 Lady Vols squad into one of the most cohesive and resilient teams in the country.

She was vocal in the locker room, mentoring younger players, leading pregame rituals, and setting an example through her tireless preparation and fierce competitive spirit. Despite being only a sophomore, she quickly became one of the emotional leaders of the team.

“She’s someone who lifts everyone up,” said senior catcher and team captain Riley West. “Whether you’re in a slump or dealing with something off the field, Karlyn is there. And when it’s game time, she’s all business. That kind of presence is rare.”

Pickens also took her role as a student-athlete seriously. A communications major, she maintained a 3.8 GPA while balancing a grueling schedule of travel, practices, and national media appearances. Her ability to juggle academic responsibilities with athletic excellence earned her Academic All-American honors and admiration from fans and faculty alike.

Pickens’ MVP campaign reached a crescendo during the postseason. In the Southeastern Conference (SEC) Tournament, she threw back-to-back complete-game shutouts against LSU and Florida, earning SEC Tournament MVP honors.

In the NCAA Super Regionals against Oregon, she delivered a legendary 14-strikeout performance in Game 3 to punch Tennessee’s ticket to Oklahoma City.

Then came the WCWS.

In Tennessee’s opening-round win over UCLA, Pickens dazzled on the national stage, pitching a two-hit shutout and striking out 12. She followed that up with another masterclass against Oklahoma State, tossing seven scoreless innings in a game that showcased her pinpoint command and ability to rise to the occasion.

Though the Vols ultimately fell in the semifinals to Oklahoma—a juggernaut program with three straight national titles—Pickens’ performances solidified her place among the game’s elite. She finished the postseason with a 1.05 ERA and 74 strikeouts in 46 innings, earning WCWS All-Tournament honors.

The crowning moment came in early July when Pickens was named the USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year. The award, which honors the nation’s best collegiate player, had only been won once before by a Lady Vol—Monica Abbott in 2007.

Pickens joined an elite group that includes the likes of Jennie Finch, Cat Osterman, Rachel Garcia, and Jocelyn Alo.

In her acceptance speech, which was broadcast live on ESPN2, Pickens was visibly emotional.

“This award isn’t just about me,” she said. “It’s about every coach who believed in me, every teammate who pushed me, and every fan who cheered for us. I’m incredibly honored and thankful to represent the University of Tennessee.”

The selection committee cited her “dominance in the circle, consistency throughout the season, and her exceptional sportsmanship and leadership qualities” as key factors in the decision.

Pickens’ story has resonated far beyond the field. Young girls across Tennessee and the nation have started wearing No. 8 jerseys in her honor. She’s become a vocal advocate for mental health in sports, sharing her own journey of overcoming performance anxiety and the pressures of being in the spotlight.

“She’s more than an athlete—she’s a role model,” said coach Weekly. “She understands the platform she has and uses it to uplift others. That’s powerful.”

Pickens frequently participates in youth clinics, community service projects, and mentoring programs. This past winter, she helped organize a charity event benefiting underprivileged youth in Knoxville, raising over $50,000 through sponsorships and donations.

With two years of eligibility remaining, the future is wide open for Karlyn Pickens. While she’s expected to play a central role on Team USA’s roster for the 2025 Pan American Games and the 2026 World Championships, her heart remains firmly rooted in Knoxville.

“I still have work to do here,” she said during a press conference after being named MVP. “We have unfinished business, and I want to bring a national title back to Rocky Top.”

Given her track record, no one is betting against her.

Pickens is already projected as a top pick in the Women’s Professional Fastpitch (WPF) league draft and could become one of the sport’s most marketable stars. NIL endorsements are pouring in—from sportswear giants to health and wellness brands—and she’s been featured on the cover of Softball America and ESPNW.

But through it all, she remains grounded.

“It’s not about fame,” she said. “It’s about legacy. It’s about being the best teammate I can be and leaving this program better than I found it.”

Thanks in large part to Pickens’ MVP campaign, Tennessee softball is now positioned as one of the nation’s elite programs. The Lady Vols finished the season ranked No. 3 nationally with a 55-10 record, an SEC regular season title, and a deep postseason run.

Coach Weekly, now in her 24th year at the helm, praised Pickens’ impact on the culture of the program.

“She’s raised the bar. Not just in terms of performance, but in how we prepare, how we support each other, and how we represent Tennessee. She’s a generational player.”

Incoming recruits have cited Pickens as one of the reasons they chose Tennessee. Her success, visibility, and humility have elevated the entire brand of Lady Vols softball.

“She’s the type of player you build around,” said assistant coach Megan Rhodes Smith. “And we’re lucky to have her.”

As the final chapter of the 2025 season closes, the legend of Karlyn Pickens is only beginning.

Named both the Tennessee Vols Softball MVP and the USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year, she has established herself not only as a dominant pitcher but also as a transformational figure in women’s collegiate athletics.

From the thunderous roars of Sherri Parker Lee Stadium to the national stage of Oklahoma City, Pickens has left an indelible mark on the sport. Her rise has inspired a generation, uplifted a program, and reminded us all of what’s possible when talent meets determination.

And if her words are any indication, she’s far from done.

“I want to win it all. I want to be great. But more than anything, I want to make Tennessee proud. That’s what drives me every day.”

With Karlyn Pickens leading the way, the future of Lady Vols softball has never looked brighter.