Texas Tech softball is rewriting history, and the story centers on star pitcher NiJaree Canady. After transferring from Stanford and signing a record-breaking $1,050,024 NIL deal, Canady has delivered in every high-pressure moment, even while battling a torn hamstring for much of the season Her dominance in the circle has propelled the Red Raiders to their first-ever Women’s College World Series (WCWS) championship series appearance.
The Red Raiders kicked off their WCWS debut with a nail-biting 1-0 victory over Ole Miss, followed by a 3-1 win against UCLA, setting up a high-stakes semifinal clash with powerhouse Oklahoma Canady, despite her injury, has allowed just one run on six hits over innings and struck out batters during this stretch, earning praise from head coach Gerry Glasco for her ability to attack the strike zone and outduel elite lineups.
Texas Tech’s investment in Canady has paid off beyond expectations. She was named Big Pitcher of the Year and NFCA National Pitcher of the Year for the second consecutive season, and her leadership has guided the Red Raiders to a Big title and their first Super Regional berth Canady’s meteoric rise and Texas Tech’s breakthrough have made headlines across college softball, with fans eager to see if this Cinderella run will end with a national championship.
All eyes are now on Texas Tech as they chase their first NCAA softball title, with Canady’s resilience and talent at the heart of their remarkable journey.
