“Karlyn Pickens is an amazing talent. She has outstanding athleticism for a pitcher, which makes her a triple threat—she can pitch, hit and run the bases. She’s probably the fastest pitcher we have ever faced, but her screwball also kept us at bay and she throws an effective rise ball and change-up too. I’m in awe of her ability.”

Jimmy Greene

Head Coach head coach at West Rowan High

Athletic Excellence

The 6-foot junior right-handed pitcher led the Blackhawks (15-1) to the Class 3A state semifinals this past season. Pickens posted a 12-1 record with a 0.41 ERA, allowing just 12 hits and 21 walks in 85 innings pitched, while striking out 207 batters. The Western Mountain Athletic Conference Pitcher of the Year, she also batted .519 with five home runs, 16 RBI and an OPS of 1.949. Pickens is ranked as the nation’s No. 6 prospect in the Class of 2022 by Extra Inning Softball and was selected to play in the Premier Girls Fastpitch Futures All-American Game in July.

Academic Achievement

Pickens has maintained a weighted 4.18 GPA in the classroom. She will begin her senior year of high school this fall.

Exemplary Character

Also a basketball and volleyball standout, Pickens has volunteered locally as a mentor for youth softball players.