In four seasons as the Lady Vols softball coach....all by herself....
Karen Weekly has taken her team very near the top of the college softball world. Tennessee had Karen and her husband Ralph as co-head coaches for twenty years before Ralph retired and left Karen in charge. In that twenty year stretch, the Lady Vols were 949-300-2 and since Karen has had the top spot, Tennessee is 176-53. They've been to the College World Series (2023) and they've been named number one in the nationwide polls (2025) but she's still looking for that national title....the one remaining goal to solidify her great career.
Tennessee made history during the season as pitcher Karlyn Pickens recorded the fastest pitch ever at 78.2 miles per hour. Pickens has been a steady force for Tennessee, posting a record of 28-9 as the Lady Vols open play this week in the SEC Tournament. Years ago, when the Weekly's were inducted into the Greater Chattanooga Area Sports Hall of Fame, they were asked about all the close calls they had as they chased the big ring. Ralph told me he was told by the late great Pat Summitt, it took a while to get her program into a position to win a national title. When that happened, the Lady Vols would go on to win eight national championships. After many years of success at Tennessee, it appears now is as good a time as any.
Since the Weeklys came to Tennessee from UTC, the Lady Vols have made eight appearances in the College World Series and they finished national runner-up twice, (2007, 2013.) In 2023, the Lady Vols last made a trip to the Series but were upset in the Super Regionals last year. Nevertheless, Karen Weekly loves the challenge this time of the year brings.
" Oh I think because everything kind of starts over, you know? Nothing you've done to this point matters So if you're frustrated or if you feel like something's missing in your game, hey now's your chance. It's a clean slate and that's what the post-season is all about."
Going into the 2025 SEC Tournament in Atlanta, Tennessee is ranked third nationally, right behind number one Texas and number two Oklahoma. The Lady Vols are seeded fourth in this week's tournament.
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