In a year marked by exceptional achievements, the USA TODAY Sports Network’s All-SEC teams have honored two standout players whose remarkable seasons contributed significantly to their teams' success. Arkansas’ Bri Ellis has been named the SEC Player of the Year, while Tennessee’s Karlyn Pickens claimed the title of SEC Pitcher of the Year. Both athletes played pivotal roles in securing home regionals for their respective teams. The selection panel consisted of six sportswriters dedicated to covering SEC softball, who highlighted the extraordinary statistics and contributions of these players throughout the season.
Bri Ellis showcased an incredible batting performance this season, with a .487 average, 25 home runs, and 68 RBIs. Her impressive slugging percentage of 1.221 and on-base percentage of .659 placed her at the top of the conference rankings in several categories. Only Virginia Tech’s Cori McMillan surpassed Ellis in home run count. Meanwhile, Tennessee’s Karlyn Pickens demonstrated dominance on the mound, posting a 20-7 record with a minuscule 0.96 ERA and accumulating 221 strikeouts over 167 ⅓ innings. Nationally, only Texas Tech’s NiJaree Canady boasts a better ERA than Pickens, whose strikeout tally ranks sixth across all qualifying pitchers.
Adding to the accolades, Oklahoma's Patty Gasso was chosen as the SEC Coach of the Year. Despite losing key members from their four-time Women’s College World Series-winning team, Gasso led the Sooners to a triumphant debut season in the SEC, sweeping notable opponents such as Arkansas, Texas, and Mississippi State en route to capturing the regular-season title. Freshman honors were shared between Alabama’s Audrey Vandagriff and Florida’s Taylor Shumaker. Vandagriff excelled with a .404 batting average, scoring 48 runs and stealing 48 bases, unmatched by any other baserunner in the league. Shumaker also made waves with a .374 batting average, leading the SEC in RBIs with 75 and tying teammate Kendra Falby for most runs scored.
Oklahoma pitcher Sam Landry, who transferred during the offseason, earned SEC Newcomer of the Year recognition. Landry achieved an 18-4 record with a 2.10 ERA, striking out 147 batters in 143 ⅔ innings. Among the first-team selections, Ellis, along with pitchers Teagan Kavan of Texas and Karlyn Pickens, received unanimous votes. Other standout performers included Reese Atwood (Texas), Kali Heivilin (Alabama), Taylor Pannell (Tennessee), Koko Wooley (Texas A&M), Kendra Falby (Florida), Kasidi Pickering (Oklahoma), and Sierra Sacco (Mississippi State).
The excellence displayed by these athletes underscores the fierce competition within the SEC. As the conference moves forward into its championship tournament, fans can anticipate continued high-level performances from both established stars and emerging talents. The upcoming games promise thrilling matchups that will further define the legacy of this season's honorees.