KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee softball standouts Karlyn Pickens and Taylor Pannell have been named to the Softball America First Team All-America list, the organization announced Tuesday. Pickens was also selected as Softball America’s 2025 National Pitcher of the Year.
Pickens, a two-time SEC Pitcher of the Year, leads the nation with a 0.90 ERA and holds a 22-8 record in the circle. The right-hander has recorded a career-best 252 strikeouts over 186.1 innings while limiting opposing batters to a .168 average. In 37 appearances—including 27 starts—she has tossed 20 complete games and six shutouts.
The Weaverville, North Carolina, native is now a five-time All-American, including a consensus first-team selection in 2024 and D1Softball Freshman All-American honors in 2023. This marks her first national pitcher of the year award.
Pannell, a native of Milan, Illinois, enjoyed a breakout 2025 season, setting career highs in nearly every offensive category. She hit .399 with 65 hits, 51 runs scored, 11 doubles, two triples, 15 home runs, and 62 RBIs. She also posted a .502 on-base percentage, .767 slugging percentage, 33 walks, and nine stolen bases.
A two-time All-SEC First Team honoree, Pannell was named to the NFCA Mid-Atlantic Region First Team for the first time last week. This is her first career All-America honor.
The Lady Vols continue postseason play this weekend, hosting Nebraska in the Knoxville Super Regional, May 23-25.
