OKLAHOMA CITY – Tennessee pitchers Sage Mardjetko and Karlyn Pickens have been named Top 25 Finalists for USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year. USA Softball announced the top 25 finalists on Wednesday.
The USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year award is considered the highest individual honor in Division I college softball, recognizing the nation’s most outstanding player over the course of the season.
This marks the third time Pickens has been named a top 25 finalist, while Mardjetko is appearing on the list for the first time.
Mardjetko is having a career year in 2026 with an 11-1 record, a 0.93 ERA and five shutouts with 30 walks and 136 strikeouts. She ranks first in the SEC and second nationally in ERA and is third in the nation in hits allowed per seven innings (3.29).
The Lemont, Illinois, native is 10th in the nation in strikeouts per seven at 9.7 and third in WHIP (0.78).
Pickens has been steady in the circle as well, holding a 1.50 ERA with a 12-6 record. She has tossed eight complete games with two shutouts and four saves. Over 102.2 innings pitched, Pickens has allowed 48 walks with 140 strikeouts.
The Weaverville, North Carolina, native ranks 11th in the country in ERA, but is No. 1 in hits allowed per seven innings at 2.93.
The Top 25 will be narrowed to 10 finalists on May 13, followed by the announcement of the Top 3 on May 18. The 2026 USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year will be revealed prior to the Women’s College World Series, scheduled for May 28–June 5 at the Softball Capital of the World.
