Tennessee has a few alums thriving in pro softball. Both Aubrey Leach-Gartner and Karlyn Pickens completed solid seasons for the Carolina Blaze in Durham, North Carolina, this summer.
Now, in the offseason, Athletes Unlimited Softball League teams have begun extending contract offers for 2027. General manager Dana Sorensen and the Blaze extended offers to both Leach-Gartner and Pickens this week, and each has agreed to a contract for next season.
Pickens led the pitching staff her rookie season. She posted a 3.13 ERA across 60.1 innings and ranked second in the AUSL in both innings pitched and strikeouts with 60. Pickens also led Carolina with four complete games and held opponents to a .232 batting average. Known as a do-it-all pitcher, Pickens started 10 of 15 appearances and was often called on in difficult relief situations. She always wanted the ball.
Leach-Gartner was a versatile everyday player in the Blaze lineup. She started all 25 games and was usually at the top of the order. She recorded 18 hits, 17 runs scored, two home runs and eight RBIs while also drawing 11 walks and stealing three bases. Her versatility on defense was a huge help for Carolina, as she played second base and the outfield when needed.
The Blaze are coming off a season that hit a hard stretch in the back half. July was not kind, and they suffered too many one-run defeats and missed the postseason. Sorensen is confident the core she has is capable of winning ballgames. There were some positives, and lessons were learned across the board in 2026. As always, the focus is on putting a winning product on the field in 2027.
“We hit well last year, pitched better, had above average defense,” Sorensen said to me Oct. 2. “So, I think honestly we are just trying to finish off ballgames. Turn those one-run games into our favor. So, adding some mental toughness and resiliency is what we are prioritizing.”
Due to AUSL policy, contract terms are not public.
