NiJaree Canady Transforms College Softball at Texas Tech with Landmark NIL Deal

LUBBOCK, Texas — NiJaree Canady, the USA Softball National Player of the Year, made headlines last July when she signed the biggest NIL deal in college softball history with Texas Tech University. Canady, who previously starred at Stanford, transferred to Texas Tech after leading the Cardinal to two consecutive Women’s College World Series appearances.

The Matador Club, Texas Tech’s NIL collective, landed Canady by offering her a $1,050,024 contract, which included $1 million for her services, $50,000 for living expenses, and $24 for her jersey number. Just over a month after hiring new head coach Gerry Glasco, who was brought in to enhance the program, Texas Tech made a bold move, stealing away one of the nation’s top players.

Glasco utilized his connections and even managed to get a recruiting call from Texas Tech quarterback Tyler Shough, who also hails from Kansas. At the time, Glasco understood that Canady, who was seeking a greater stage to showcase her talents, had previously received a much lower offer from her agent.

“My message was: We’re talking about Bo Jackson. We’re talking about Herschel Walker,” Glasco explained. “We’re talking about a once-in-a-generation player.” This sentiment resonated with the club’s supporters, including Tracy Sellers and her husband, who donated $11 million to the athletic department, with a portion dedicated to upgrading softball facilities.

After visiting with Canady, Tracy became convinced that investing in her was essential. “She is a wonderful human being,” Sellers said. “They deserve this just as much as male athletes.” Canady recognized the pressures associated with her new role but expressed hope that her success could pave the way for future female athletes.

Since her arrival, Canady has helped the Red Raiders achieve their first-ever Big 12 regular-season and tournament titles. With a remarkable 26-5 record and a 0.81 ERA, she led the nation in several categories, being named the Big 12 Pitcher of the Year.

Speaking on her transfer, Canady noted that her choice was not solely based on the financial incentives. “I feel like people thought I heard the number and just came to Texas Tech, which wasn’t the case at all,” she said. “If I didn’t feel like Coach Glasco was an amazing coach and could lead this program to be where we thought it could be, I wouldn’t have come.”

Glasco, who had a successful history coaching at Louisiana, expressed enthusiasm about Canady’s potential, stating, “I’ve never coached anybody close to her.” As a result, he believes this year’s Texas Tech softball team has a significant chance of contending for a national championship.

Canady’s journey has not been without challenges; her transfer brought scrutiny and pressure that she, along with her father Bruce, has had to navigate. Despite these obstacles, Canady remains focused on her goals and is determined to make the most of her time at Texas Tech.

As the Red Raiders prepare to host the Lubbock Regional with a chance to advance in the tournament, Canady’s leadership and skills could prove pivotal for Texas Tech’s aspirations this season.