Karlyn Pickens Shatters Softball Speed Records, Sets New Standard for the Sport
OKLAHOMA CITY — Tennessee softball pitcher Karlyn Pickens continues to make headlines not only for her blazing speed but for redefining what’s possible in the sport. Already a two-time SEC Pitcher of the Year, Pickens made history this spring by setting and then breaking her own record for the fastest softball pitch ever recorded.
In March, Pickens stunned the softball world by hitting a scorching 78.2 mph pitch, surpassing Tennessee legend Monica Abbott’s 2012 record of 77 mph. Then, just two months later during the NCAA super regional against Nebraska, she pushed the boundary even further with an incredible 79.4 mph throw.
“It’s pretty amazing, really,” said Oklahoma coach Patty Gasso during the Women’s College World Series media day on May 28, ahead of Oklahoma’s showdown with Tennessee. “And there’s a lot of little girls that are going to be going, ‘Wow, I just hit 60! Only 19 more miles to go’ . . . So it’s great for our game. It’s phenomenal.”
Pickens’ achievement is inspiring a new generation of athletes and setting a new standard in collegiate softball, raising the bar for pitchers across the country as she aims to push the limits even further.
The highly anticipated matchup between Oklahoma and Tennessee is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. ET on ESPN, where fans will witness firsthand the skill and speed of one of softball’s brightest stars.
