Tennessee’s Karlyn Pickens Breaks Own Record with 79.4 MPH Pitch in NCAA Super Regional
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — May 27, 2025 — Tennessee softball standout Karlyn Pickens has once again etched her name into the record books, breaking her own record for the fastest pitch ever thrown in NCAA softball history. In a dominant performance during the NCAA Super Regional matchup against Nebraska, Pickens fired a blistering 79.4 mph pitch — surpassing her previous record of 77.4 mph.
The historic pitch came in the third inning of Game 2, as the Volunteers looked to secure a spot in the Women’s College World Series. The radar gun reading sent a jolt through the stadium, drawing gasps and cheers from fans and teammates alike. Nebraska’s batters struggled to catch up to the blazing heat, with Pickens racking up 12 strikeouts in the game and helping Tennessee cruise to a 5-1 victory.
“I didn’t even realize it until after the inning,” Pickens said postgame. “I just try to go out there and compete every pitch. Breaking the record is amazing, but the most important thing is helping my team win.”
Pickens, a sophomore and reigning SEC Pitcher of the Year, has become one of the most feared arms in college softball. Her blend of speed, precision, and composure on the mound has drawn comparisons to legends of the sport — and her fastball continues to push the limits of what’s possible in women’s softball.
With the win, Tennessee advances to the Women’s College World Series in Oklahoma City, where Pickens is expected to play a key role in the Vols’ championship pursuit. If her record-breaking pitch is any indication, the best may still be yet to come.
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