Tennessee Softball’s Karlyn Pickens on Breaking The College Softball Velo Records & Team USA

Tennessee Softball star Karlyn Pickens — the two-time SEC Pitcher of the Year, Team USA athlete, and owner of the fastest pitch in college softball (79.4 MPH) — joins Abby Alonzo on Out of Left Field to talk about breaking records, leadership, NIL, and finding her “why.” Recorded inside Tennessee’s Sherri Parker Lee Stadium, Karlyn opens up about growing up in North Carolina, choosing the Lady Vols, working with Aubrey Leach, joining Team USA Softball, and learning how to play free and inspire the next generation of athletes. 🎙️ Out of Left Field dives into the stories and mindsets shaping softball and women’s sports — featuring the game’s biggest names and rising stars. Chapters 00:00 Intro — Knoxville & Tennessee softball vibes 01:02 Growing up in North Carolina & multi-sport roots 02:20 Travel ball memories & dad on the bucket 03:48 Becoming a pitcher & meeting her first coach 05:00 Recruiting through COVID & why Tennessee 07:24 NIL & social media — protecting your peace 09:20 Finding her why & inspiring young players 10:20 Breaking her own velocity record (79.4 MPH) 12:52 Pitching mechanics & control for young arms 13:59 Senior season goals & leadership growth 15:38 Team USA Softball with Aubrey Leach 17:37 Advice for young softball players — play free Follow @olfmedia on Instagram! #KarlynPickens #TennesseeSoftball #CollegeSoftball