In a landmark moment for professional softball, Tennessee star pitcher Karlyn Pickens has been selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the AUSL college draft by the Carolina Blaze. The historic selection, which took place on Monday, marks a new chapter for the senior standout who has dominated the college ranks.

The Carolina Blaze, based in Durham, North Carolina, were established in 2025 as one of the league's four original franchises. Pickens joins an impressive list of former Lady Vols making their mark in the AUSL, including former teammate Payton Gottshall, who plays for Portland, and director of player development Aubrey Leach, who is also with Carolina.

The 2026 AUSL season promises to be a thrilling expansion year, featuring six teams: the Chicago Bandits, Carolina Blaze, Portland Cascade, Oklahoma City Spark, Utah Talons, and Texas Volts. This growth reflects the rising popularity of professional softball and the increasing opportunities for elite college athletes to continue their careers beyond the collegiate level.

Pickens made headlines earlier this year when she became the first current college player to sign an NIL deal with the AUSL back in February. For the Tennessee ace, this draft moment represents more than just a personal achievement—it's a sign of how far the sport has come.

"When I was growing up, I didn't really see professional softball," Pickens shared. "I watched the Olympics, but outside of college, I didn't really think there was an option to go pro. It's been just a few years, and now everyone's dream is to go to AUSL and continue their softball career."

This draft selection caps off an incredible run for Pickens, who was recently named the 2025 Vols Wire Female Athlete of the Year. As she prepares to trade her Tennessee orange for Carolina blue, her journey serves as an inspiration for young athletes everywhere who dream of taking their game to the next level.