Texas Tech Makes History in Women's College World Series Thanks to NIL Deal
College Sports/Sports

Texas Tech Makes History in Women's College World Series Thanks to NIL Deal

Texas Tech's softball team achieves its first Women's College World Series appearance bolstered by NiJaree Canady's record-breaking NIL agreement.

Texas Tech is achieving a historic moment by entering its first Women’s College World Series, primarily due to the exceptional performance of some star players, especially NiJaree Canady. Having recently signed a landmark NIL agreement worth over $1 million, Canady’s impact has been undeniable. She led the team to victory, winning both games against Florida State in the Super Regional round.

Performance Highlights

In the Super Regional, Canady, who was named National Player of the Year, pitched a total of seven innings across two matches. She recorded four strikeouts while allowing only two hits and no runs in the first game, followed by three strikeouts with one earned run in the second.

“FOR THE FIRST TIME IN PROGRAM HISTORY, @TexasTechSB IS HEADED TO THE #WCWS! 🎉pic.twitter.com/LIPdm2jBrQ — NCAA Softball (@NCAASoftball) May 23, 2025

Alongside her performance, Texas Tech’s Matador Club, the NIL collective, supplemented Canady with a $50,000 support for expenses and a symbolic $24 reward corresponding to her jersey number. Additionally, NFL quarterback and Texas Tech alum Patrick Mahomes made a personal call to her, connecting over their mutual Kansas roots.

Coach’s Praise

Coach Gerry Glasco remarked on Canady’s exceptional contributions, emphasizing her rarity as a talent, drawing comparisons to legends like Bo Jackson and Herschel Walker.

“My message was: We’re talking about a once-in-a-generation player that is already making waves across America. Her talent is undeniable, and she’s still a sophomore!”

Canady clarified her decision to join Texas Tech was influenced not just by financial incentives but by the vision and potential she saw in the program under Coach Glasco.

“If I didn’t believe in what Coach Glasco was building here, I wouldn’t have come,” she stated.

Now, months later, both Glasco and Canady find themselves celebrating a remarkable achievement for the program.

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