The Tennessee Lady Vols softball program has fielded some of the best pitching staffs in college softball over the years. In 2026, Tennessee finished with the top staff in the country at a 1.47 ERA and ranked in the top five in strikeouts with 499.
That staff, led by the trio of Karlyn Pickens, Sage Mardjetko and Erin Nuwer, showed what it takes to be a Lady Vol in more ways than just on-field performance. Only one pitcher stands in the circle at a time, and what this group showed more than most is selflessness. Putting the team’s needs before their own while being each other’s biggest supporters is what fosters a healthy culture.
That all starts in recruiting. Lady Vols associate head coach Megan Rhodes Smith and head coach Karen Weekly look for people who are not only good fits for the system, but in every aspect of being on the team.
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