In a groundbreaking move that reflects the rising prominence of women’s collegiate sports, Texas Tech University is reportedly planning to erect a statue honoring softball superstar NiJaree Canady, following her historic 2025 season. The proposed statue would not only immortalize one of the most dominant athletes in Texas Tech history, but also serve as a bold statement about the university’s commitment to celebrating excellence in women’s athletics.
NiJaree Canady’s 2025 campaign was nothing short of legendary. As the ace pitcher for the Red Raiders, she led the team to its first-ever Big 12 regular-season and tournament titles. She posted a sensational record on the mound, finishing the season with 30+ wins and maintaining an ERA below 1.00 — a near-unheard-of feat at the collegiate level. Her dominance didn’t stop there; Canady also led the nation in strikeouts, showcasing her elite power, control, and endurance throughout the season.
Her impact extended far beyond individual accolades. With Canady at the helm, Texas Tech softball reached new heights, advancing to the Women’s College World Series (WCWS) finals for the first time in program history. Perhaps the most jaw-dropping moment of the season came when the Red Raiders stunned the defending four-time national champion Oklahoma Sooners, a game in which Canady pitched a complete game and struck out double-digit batters. That performance alone etched her name into softball lore.
In recognition of her dominance, Canady swept nearly every major award available: NFCA National Pitcher of the Year, USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year, and even the prestigious Honda Sports Award, given to the top female athlete in collegiate sports. These honors reflect not only her performance but her influence on the sport’s visibility and popularity.
Off the field, Canady became the face of a new era in college athletics. She made history as the first softball player to sign a seven-figure NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deal and later became the first to ink a second such contract. Her success in the NIL space has paved the way for future female athletes, proving that marketability and excellence can go hand-in-hand in women’s sports.
The proposed statue is expected to be placed prominently at the entrance to Rocky Johnson Field, serving as a lasting tribute to her contributions and inspiring generations of young athletes. While the university has yet to make an official announcement, sources indicate groundbreaking could begin as early as August 2025, with an unveiling planned during the 2026 season.
If completed, this would be the first statue of a softball player at Texas Tech and a powerful symbol of progress in collegiate sports. NiJaree Canady’s journey has redefined what’s possible for women in athletics, and her legacy is now set to be etched not just in record books — but in bronze
