Brett Rojo-Imagn Images / USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
The Tennessee softball team beat Texas Tech at the Women’s College World Series in Oklahoma City on Saturday. Vols head coach Karen Weekly supposedly exchanged words with former player Taylor Pannell after the fact.
Those in attendance noticed the Red Raiders star react negatively when shaking hands with Weekly during the postgame. Pannell recounted what happened in a subsequent press conference. Weekly denied her version of events.
Texas Tech’s Taylor Pannell was asked about what her former Tennessee coach Karen Weekly told her postgame 🥎 pic.twitter.com/OGUq5NwjFH
— KCBD NewsChannel11 (@KCBD11) May 30, 2026
Taylor Pannell transferred from Tennessee.
The infielder was the Vols‘ top hitter in 2025, slashing .398/.493/.747. Pannell smacked 16 home runs and knocked in 65 RBIs on her way to All-Conference honors.
Tennessee’s season ended in the Women’s College World Series last year. Its star player quickly decided to leave Knoxville.
NIL was believed to be a motivating factor. Pannell’s father all but confirmed it during the offseason in a series of now-deleted social media messages.
“It was a good ride, now it’s time to count all that money my kid got.”
-Brandon Pannell
Pannell’s family blasted the Volunteers on their way out the door. Taylor signed with national runner-up Texas Tech. Her success has continued.
Pannell is hitting .351 with 12 homers and 57 RBIs. She met up with her old team at the Women’s College World Series this weekend.
Tennessee won a thriller in extra innings, 2-1. The Red Raiders are now one game from elimination. Does Pannell regret her decision?
What did Karen Weekly say to Pannell?
The third baseman detailed her old coach’s message after the walk-off loss. Weekly supposedly took a swipe.
“She said that I made a mistake instead of saying, ‘good game.’ It’s kind of crazy. Go celebrate with your team. I think it’s funny she’s still thinking about it. It’s old news, whatever.”
-Taylor Pannell
Weekly denied Pannell’s recollection of events. She says she had the same respectful message for each Texas Tech player.
“(I said), ‘good game,’ just like I say to every player,” Weekly said.
Karen Weekly and Taylor Pannell where both asked what was said in the handshake line postgame.
Each had differing stories of what happened, hear it from them directly. pic.twitter.com/2iyaG2Z8Wc
— Shelby Hilliard (@ShelbyCHilliard) May 30, 2026
Clearly, that two have very different stories about what played out. Something happened. There was a reaction on Texas Tech’s end. The question was asked for a reason.
Pannell says she was disrespected. Weekly refutes that narrative. It will make for a juicy storyline should the two sides meet up again in Oklahoma City.