NiJaree Canady, the standout pitcher from Stanford and USA Softball Player of the Year, revealed on X that she has pledged to Texas Tech University.
Canady, who guided the Cardinal to the Women’s College World Series in both 2023 and 2024, is believed to have signed a one-year NIL agreement worth $1,050,024 with the Matador Club, Texas Tech’s collective. This contract is thought to be the largest NIL deal ever for a softball player.
These past two years have been amazing and I thank @StanfordSball for the ride of a lifetime. Excited for what’s ahead! @TexasTechSB pic.twitter.com/C017QT51Gp
— NiJaree Canady (@CanadyNijaree) July 24, 2024
John Sellers, co-founder of the Matador Club, remarked, “This is a transformative moment for softball and beyond. She had options everywhere, but she chose Tech.”
Over two seasons at Stanford, Canady posted a 0.67 earned run average and notched 555 strikeouts across 365 innings.
The Red Raiders of Texas Tech have yet to reach the Women’s College World Series, but with Canady as their new star pitcher, they could potentially make it to the postseason for the first time in their history.
Canady’s move is another significant departure for Stanford. As NIL deals become increasingly lucrative, Stanford’s collective, Lifetime Cardinal, will need to enhance its efforts to keep top players.
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