North Buncombe Middle School felt a little extra electricity in the air on Sunday, December 7, as more than 400 young softball players filled the fields for Kamp Karly - a homecoming event led by Tennessee Softball standout Karlyn Pickens, a 2022 graduate of North Buncombe High School.
Families traveled from near and far - even as far as Arkansas - to learn from one of the top collegiate pitchers in the nation. With two sessions offered - one designed for younger athletes and another geared toward older, more advanced players - the day was packed with energy, learning, laughter, and the kind of encouragement that young athletes remember for a lifetime.
Now a senior at the University of Tennessee, Picken stepped back onto the field where her own dreams first took shape. Sharing drills, wisdom, and confidence-building advice, she didn’t just lead a camp - she poured into a community that helped raise her.
“Coming back home means everything to me,” Pickens said. “I’m grateful for the chance to share what I’ve learned with young athletes who want to play at the next level. Seeing this many girls show up - and families stay to support them - was truly incredible.”
From throwing mechanics to hitting stations, defensive footwork to mindset training, athletes soaked up every moment of instruction. Throughout the day, Karlyn’s enthusiasm and encouragement radiated across the fields.
To help each station run smoothly, Karlyn brought a powerhouse roster of helpers. Teammates from the Tennessee Lady Vols, players from Mars Hill University, Liberty University, and standout athletes from North Buncombe High School Softball all gave their time and talent to support the camp’s mission.
With the overwhelming turnout and the positive energy surrounding the day, Pickens says this is only the beginning. Karlyn Pickens didn’t just return home - she lit a spark in the next generation of softball players.
