Tennessee Pitcher Karlyn Pickens Sets NCAA Softball Fastest Pitch Record

Karlyn Pickens, a junior pitcher for the Tennessee Volunteers softball team, has set the NCAA record for the fastest pitch ever recorded at 79.4 mph, breaking her own previous record of 78.2 mph. This achievement fulfills a prophecy made over a decade ago by coach Dana Fussetti, who identified Pickens' exceptional talent and predicted she would become the hardest throwing pitcher in softball history. Pickens, ranked among the nation's elite pitchers this season, is a key player for Tennessee as they compete in the Women's College World Series, facing elimination games against top teams like Florida. Her record-setting pitch provides batters with a reaction time of just .341 seconds, highlighting her dominant presence on the mound. The WCWS games are nationally televised on ESPN and available via streaming services, drawing significant attention to Pickens' historic performances. Tennessee’s journey in the tournament includes a notable match against Florida, where Pickens' pitching prowess is pivotal for the Volunteers' advancement.