National Player of the Year NiJaree Canady commits to Texas Tech

In a move that creates a seismic shift in the balance of power in the world of college softball, NiJaree Canady has committed to Texas Tech.

The USA Softball National Player of the Year is making the move from Stanford, where she helped lead the Cardinal to back-to-back Women’s College World Series appearances. Now, the Red Raiders become a favorite in the Big 12 and to make it to Oklahoma City next spring with the best pitcher in softball in the circle.

Canady led the nation with 337 strikeouts and a 0.73 ERA and was 24-7 for Stanford. She allowed just 44 walks. She held opponents to a .147 opponent’s batting average and a WHIP (walks and hits per innings pitched) of 0.69.

In the 2024 WCWS, Canady started five elimination games for Stanford, going 4-1 and allowing just one earned run. The lone loss came in a 1-0 pitcher’s dual vs. Texas.

The Oklahoma Sooners were hoping to bolster their pitching staff with Canady, but ultimately it was Texas Tech and new head coach Gerry Glasco who pulled off the huge recruiting win.

The Sooners will roll with Kierston Deal, Peytn Monticelli, incoming freshman Audrey Lowry, and transfer additions Sam Landry (Louisiana) and Isabella Smith (Campbell).

Deal has shown promise in her first two years in Norman, but hasn’t been relied upon as a frontline starter to this point. She’ll have her chance in 2025 as the Sooners head into the SEC.

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