Former Stanford Softball Star NiJaree Canady Transfers to Texas Tech
NiJaree Canady, the USA Softball Player of the Year, has announced that she will be transferring to Texas Tech University. According to The Athletic, Canady will receive a deal of just over $1 million from the school’s name, image and likeness collective to join the Red Raiders.
Canady, a standout pitcher for Stanford University, has been the Cardinal’s ace for the past two seasons. In her first two seasons in college, she has totaled 528 strikeouts. In 41 games played in 2024, Canady had a 0.73 ERA and a 0.69 WHIP, striking out 337 batters in 230 2/3 innings while giving up just 116 hits and 44 walks. Opposing batters hit.147 against her, with only 24 extra-base hits.
The transfer to Texas Tech is not a surprise, given the team’s pursuit of top talent after losing to Oklahoma in the College World Series finals. Canady’s NIL deal is expected to be one of the biggest in college sports for the upcoming school year.
The Red Raiders finished 29-21 last season, with an 8-16 record in conference play. They were 3-9 at home in conference play. With Canady joining the team, Texas Tech is now a favorite to win the Big 12 in 2025 and has a decent chance at the College World Series.
Canady’s addition to the team is a significant boost, as she pitched in nearly two-thirds of Stanford’s games last season, helping the Cardinal go 50-17 before losing twice to the Longhorns in the College World Series. The final loss came on June 3 in a 1-0 defeat when Texas scratched out a run in the top of the seventh against Canady.
The addition of Canady to the Texas Tech roster is a game-changer for the program, and fans are eagerly anticipating her debut in a Red Raiders uniform.