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Tennessee Softball Ranked No. 1 Nationwide
Head coach and star players discuss the team's hot start and national ranking
Published on Feb. 22, 2026
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The Tennessee softball team has climbed to the No. 1 ranking in the country across all major polls. Head coach Karen Weekly and star pitchers Erin Nuwer and Sage Mardjetko met with the media to discuss the team's 10-0 start, Nuwer's dominant performances, and Mardjetko's return from injury.
Why it matters
Tennessee softball's rise to the top of the national rankings is a significant milestone for the program, which has long been a powerhouse but has not held the No. 1 spot in recent memory. The team's hot start and national recognition could boost recruitment, fan engagement, and the overall profile of the university's athletics department.
The details
In the press conference, head coach Karen Weekly discussed the team's strong start, highlighted by the performances of pitchers Erin Nuwer and Sage Mardjetko. Nuwer, a sophomore, has been dominant so far with a 0.00 ERA and 5-0 record through six appearances and 20 innings pitched. She was recently named the SEC and D1Softball National Pitcher of the Week. Mardjetko, who has battled injuries this offseason, owns a 1.50 ERA and 1-0 record in three appearances and 9.1 innings.
- The Tennessee softball team has climbed to the No. 1 ranking in the country across all major polls.
- The team is off to a 10-0 start to the 2026 season.
The players
Karen Weekly
The head coach of the Tennessee softball team.
Erin Nuwer
A sophomore pitcher for the Tennessee softball team who has been dominant so far this season with a 0.00 ERA and 5-0 record.
Sage Mardjetko
A pitcher for the Tennessee softball team who is getting back in the fold after battling through injury this offseason.
What they’re saying
“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”
— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)
“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”
— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)
The takeaway
Tennessee softball's rise to the No. 1 national ranking is a significant milestone for the program, showcasing the team's depth and talent. The strong start could boost the team's profile and recruitment efforts, cementing the Lady Vols' status as one of the premier softball programs in the country.
