Weaverville -- May 5, 2026: Weaverville native Karlyn Pickens, a 22-year-old right-handed pitcher, has achieved a significant milestone, becoming the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL) College Draft. Her selection by the Carolina Blaze on Monday, May 4, 2026, marks the culmination of a journey that began on local fields in Western North Carolina.
Pickens’ path to professional stardom is deeply rooted in the Asheville area. She started her involvement in softball as a sixth-grade manager in Weaverville-area youth leagues before starring at North Buncombe Middle School, where she played on undefeated teams in 2017 and 2018. Her former coach, Chris Brown, reflected on her early days, stating, “Watching Karlyn Pickens’ journey... has been one of the greatest honors of my coaching career... She didn’t just reach the top; she showed everyone what is possible when talent meets grit.”
After a standout career at North Buncombe High School, Pickens continued her dominance at the University of Tennessee, where she wore jersey No. 23 for the Lady Vols. During her college tenure, she earned accolades including two-time SEC Pitcher of the Year (2024, 2025) and set an NCAA record for the fastest pitch at 79.4 mph. Her collegiate success, built on a foundation of "relentless work, quiet confidence, and an unwavering love for the game," according to Brown, prepared her for the professional stage.
The Carolina Blaze, a professional team based in Durham, North Carolina, selected Pickens first overall, bringing the Weaverville native back to her home state for professional play. Blaze General Manager Dana Sorensen praised Pickens, stating, “Our staff believes Karlyn is the whole package... four years pitching in the SEC has given her the best preparation for the pro league.” AUSL Commissioner Kim Ng highlighted the draft's importance, noting it "represents an important step in connecting that talent to the professional game."
Pickens' professional season with the Carolina Blaze is set to open on June 9, with games broadcast on ESPN platforms. Her journey from local youth leagues to becoming the top draft pick in professional softball serves as an inspiration, underscoring the potential fostered within Western North Carolina’s athletic community.