Karlyn Pickens of Tennessee picked No. 1 overall in 2026 AUSL Draft
Tennessee pitcher Karlyn Pickens was the No. 1 overall pick by the Carolina Blaze in the 2026 AUSL Draft on May 4.
One of the top pitchers in college softball was the top pick in Monday night’s draft for the Athletes Unlimited Softball League . Tennessee right-hander Karlyn Pickens was selected No. 1 overall by the Carolina Blaze.
The club will play games in Durham, North Carolina, this season at Smith Family Stadium on the campus of Duke University. The Texas Volts selected pitcher NiJaree Canady of Texas Tech with the second overall pick. The Blaze also selected catcher Reese Atwood from Texas with the seventh pick.
Pickens has been named SEC Pitcher of the Year in each of the last two seasons and is in the midst of putting together another strong season for the Lady Vols. The 6-foot-1 native of Weaverville, North Carolina is eighth nationally in earned run average (1. 44) and first in hits allowed per seven innings (3.
06). She also has five saves this season, which is tied for the lead in the SEC. Pickens has not given up a home run this season in 112 innings pitched.