It was a full-circle moment for Karlyn Pickens, who played her final game at Sherri Lee Parker Stadium on Friday.

In addition to honoring the softball program, the Bananas gave Tennessee ace Karlyn Pickens the honor of delivering Saturday’s first pitch. The gesture completes a full circle moment between Pickens and the Bananas.

It came down to the wire, but Karlyn Pickens proved just how elite she is when it mattered most.

Pickens continued her dominant collegiate career by earning All-America recognition for the fourth consecutive season after previously being named to the freshman team in 2023. The junior pitcher recorded 180 strikeouts across 31 appearances this season and was named the conference Pitcher of the Year.

Duke softball jumped on Tennessee ace Karlyn Pickens early, taking down the Lady Vols in front of a sold out crowd at Smith Family Stadium.

Tennessee softball ace Karlyn Pickens was drafted No. 1 overall by the Carolina Blaze in the 2026 AUSL Draft. She's the second No. 1 pick in program history.

Karlyn Pickens came up for air from the sea of teammates flooding her with hugs on the field, looking up into the stands at Sherri Parker Lee Stadium. The senior pitcher immediately found her parents, Rebecca and Phillip, and her boyfriend, Jack, and she ...

Tennessee softball is a top-eight seed for the fourth straight season, allowing it to host regionals and super regionals. Tennessee started the season 26-0 and can still be that team in the postseason. The Lady Vols have the top pitching staff in the ...