The dream season for the Tennessee Vols softball team came to a close against Texas in the national semifinals. It was a heartbreaking end to the year for this group, but no one will forget the incredible memories these youngsters provided Vols Nation.
Obviously, one of the main superstars from start to finish in 2025 was no question ace pitcher Karlyn Pickens. What Pickens was able to get done this year was unreal. Right after the season ended, she was asked about her love for the program. Plain and simple, entering the portal is something not even on her radar. She's locked in with Tennessee and helping this team push for a title next spring.
Tennessee fans will love what Karlyn Pickens said about her love for the Vols
“Is everything an answer?” Pickens said when asked why she loves Tennessee so much. “I adore everything about being a Lady Vol, everything it stands for, the community, the place it’s at. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. Vol for life.”
It's hard to not get emotional after seeing that clip with Pickens. She has already flushed the loss to Texas, setting her sights on what this program can get done in 2026. Karen Weekly is coming off a big campaign leading this team, but now the hard work will start attacking the transfer portal.
Pickens is fired up to return to Knoxville for her senior year and she'll be ready to close out her Tennessee career in style. The Vols have the pieces in place to push for the natty. Adding transfers could help send this team over the top.
This past postseason was one to remember, though people are still furious over Tennessee being on the wrong end of the worst call in College World Series history. Despite that, the Lady Vols have nothing to be disappointed about. If anything, they need to use the loss to Texas to motivate them to return to this stage next season and get the job done. Pickens will see to it that it happens.