Karlyn Pickens Named SEC Pitcher of the Week

February 09, 2026 | Softball

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Tennessee ace Karlyn Pickens has been named SEC Pitcher of the Week after turning in a masterful opening weekend.

Pickens was stellar in her two appearances at the NFCA Leadoff Classic. The righty guided the No. 4 Lady Vols to a pair of ranked wins over No. 21 Liberty on Friday and No. 5 Oregon on Saturday night.

The flamethrower totaled 22 strikeouts over 14 innings of work and surrendered just seven hits. Pickens allowed one unearned run against Liberty before tossing a complete-game shutout in the victory over Oregon.

The wins helped Tennessee to a 5-0 start to the year. UT was also named NFCA Leadoff Classic Champions for the second time in program history, previously winning the tournament crown in 2023.

It is the eighth SEC Pitcher of the Week honor for Pickens and the 11th total SEC weekly award in her career.

Tennessee returns to action this weekend at the Shriners Children's Clearwater Invitational Feb. 13-15.