Five Lady Vols Shine as NFCA Mid-Atlantic All-Region Selections
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – In an electrifying announcement sure to excite fans and athletes alike, the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) has unveiled its Mid-Atlantic All-Region teams, spotlighting five outstanding Lady Vols. This prestigious recognition not only celebrates individual excellence but also reflects Tennessee’s dominance in collegiate softball.
Celebrating the Achievements of Lady Vols
Among the triumphant Lady Vols, Sophia Nugent, Taylor Pannell, and Karlyn Pickens earned prestigious first-team honors. Meanwhile, McKenna Gibson and Kinsey Fiedler made their mark with third-team selections. The All-Region accolades honor standout performers from the NFCA’s ten regions, where member head coaches nominate and vote for the most deserving student-athletes. Every honoree is now in contention for the coveted 2025 NFCA Division I All-America squads.
Individual Highlights: Stellar Performances
Sophia Nugent • C • Sr. • Seal Beach, California
Sophia Nugent has truly had a breakout season for the Lady Vols, registering career highs of 43 hits, 14 home runs, and 51 RBIs. With a batting average soaring to .303 as the NCAA tournament approaches, this is Nugent’s first All-Region honor, marking her as one to watch on the diamond.
Taylor Pannell • INF • R-So. • Milan, Illinois
Emerging as an indispensable asset for Tennessee, Taylor Pannell has tallied an impressive .413 batting average, alongside career-best statistics: 64 hits, 48 runs, and 61 RBIs. This talented redshirt sophomore’s selection as a two-time All-SEC first-team member adds to her impressive resume and highlights her remarkable contributions to the Lady Vols’ success.
Karlyn Pickens • P • Jr. • Weaverville, North Carolina
Karlyn Pickens continues to dazzle as a two-time SEC Pitcher of the Year, currently boasting a formidable 0.92 ERA while recording a stellar 20-8 win-loss record. With a mind-boggling 231 strikeouts in 174.1 innings, her performance has been pivotal, including 19 complete games and six shutouts. Notably, this is her second consecutive first-team All-Region selection.
McKenna Gibson • INF • Sr. • Santa Clarita, California
Despite facing setbacks with injuries, McKenna Gibson has remained a force in the lineup, batting .313 with 10 home runs and 39 RBIs. Her consistency is admirable, earning her a second career All-Region honor following a first-team selection in 2023.
Kinsey Fiedler • OF • Sr. • Lee’s Summit, Missouri
A standout newcomer, Kinsey Fiedler has made waves in her one season with the Lady Vols, hitting an impressive .357 while scoring 46 runs and driving in 36 RBIs. Her record-tying eight triples this season further cements her first All-Region accolade and showcases her explosive performance.
A Legacy of Excellence
Since 1997, the Lady Vols have amassed an impressive 93 All-Region selections from 49 different student-athletes, solidifying their place in collegiate softball history.
As we look forward to the NCAA tournament, the Lady Vols will kick off their campaign at the Knoxville Regional, marking the 20th consecutive year they host this prestigious event at Sherri Parker Lee Stadium. This weekend, they’ll face off against formidable opponents including Ohio State, North Carolina, and Miami (Ohio), with their first matchup against the RedHawks scheduled for Friday at 1:30 p.m. ET.
Stay tuned as these phenomenal athletes aim to take their talents to the next level—because when the Lady Vols take the field, anything is possible!
For further updates on Tennessee softball and the upcoming NCAA tournament, visit the Tennessee Sports Official Website.
