As far as softball talents go, few are as gifted as Texas Tech pitcher NiJaree Canady.
The Red Raiders ace has enjoyed a glistening three-year spell in the college game, nabbing two first-team All-American nods as well as a pair of NFCA National Pitcher of the Year awards.
Canady's journey to the upper echelons of the collegiate game hasn't been without its hiccups. But it's been a wondrous watch for the countless acolytes who have witnessed her development over the years.
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So, just where did Canady start her softball career? Here's what you need to know about Canady's origins, including her hometown.
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Where is NiJaree Canady from?
Canady hails from Topeka, Kansas, garnering plaudits for her successes as both a basketball and softball star at Topeka High.
A gifted pitcher, Canady posted a 21-0 record with a 0.26 ERA and 232 strikeouts in 107.2 innings as a junior. She also drew four-star billing as a "physical front-court performer" on the hardwood, according to ESPN. The then-Trojans star tallied 18.8 points and 10.2 rebounds a game as a sophomore, then increased her production to 20.6 points and 12.3 rebounds a game as a junior. She was summarily named to first team All-League, first team All-City and first team All-State, the same honors she garnered during her first two years of ball.
Despite her hoops prowess, the diamond called Canady's name. She spurned her basketball career as a senior, committing fully to softball in 2022. It was an inspired choice: Canady went 13-1 with a 0.84 ERA and 163 strikeouts in her final high school season.
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Canady took her talents to Stanford, becoming one of the sport's greatest-ever pitchers in the process. After landing a seven-figure NIL deal with the Red Raiders, she has Texas Tech on the brink of WCWS glory.
NiJaree Canady parents
Canady's parents are Bruce and Katherine Canady. Bruce played college football at Washburn University, tallying the eighth-most passes defended (23) in program history across his career.
Bruce instilled a competitive edge in his children, routinely taking down Canady and her brother, BJ, in board games like Connect 4.
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NiJaree Canady stats
| Year | W-L | ERA | SO | APP | CG (GS) | Saves | IP | H | R (ER) |
| 2023 | 17-3 | 0.58 | 214 | 32 | 10 (24) | 3 | 135.0 | 64 | 13 (11) |
| 2024 | 24-7 | 0.73 | 337 | 37 | 24 (29) | 5 | 230.2 | 116 | 37 (24) |
| 2025 | 32-5 | 0.86 | 296 | 42 | 20 (32) | 2 | 219.0 | 113 | 38 (21) |