Texas Tech University is reportedly preparing to immortalize one of the most electrifying figures in college softball history. Following a historic season that saw the Red Raiders reach their first ever Women’s College World Series (WCWS) title game, sources indicate that the school is planning a statue to honor its phenom star pitcher, NiJaree Canady.
A Meteoric Rise: Canady’s 2025 Campaign
Transferred from Stanford in July 2024, Canady instantly transformed Texas Tech’s program. She inked a $1 million NIL deal—the first of its kind in college softball history—and then proceeded to deliver extraordinary results on the field .
In 2025, she posted a remarkable 34–7 record, led the nation with a 0.97 ERA, and struck out 317 batters . She was named NFCA National Pitcher of the Year, repeating her Big 12 Pitcher of the Year honors . In the postseason, she powered Texas Tech to their first WCWS finals, even helping upend the reigning powerhouse Oklahoma in dramatic fashion .
WCWS Run and National Spotlight
The WCWS run captivated audiences. Texas Tech extended the championship series to a deciding third game with a tense 4–3 victory in Game 2 . Although they ultimately fell 10–4 to Texas in Game 3—pulled after one inning—Canady’s dominance remained clear: she had thrown a staggering 686 consecutive pitches before that outing .
TV ratings spiked: the Game 3 matchup became the most‑watched softball game ever, averaging 2.4 million viewers, peaking at 2.7 million . The rising public spotlight, amplified by her second seven‑figure NIL deal (reported at $1.2 million for 2026) , has cemented her status as a cultural icon in collegiate athletics.
Institutional Recognition: Statue Plans
In response to this unmatched performance and her impact on the program, Texas Tech officials are reportedly discussing the commissioning of a permanent statue. The figure would commemorate her transformative role: leading the Red Raiders to their first Big 12 regular-season and tournament titles, their first NCAA regional hosting and Super Regional, and—crucially—their inaugural trip to the WCWS finals .
Canady’s record-breaking feats—like tying for second-most single-season wins in program history, setting new ERA and strikeout standards, and anchoring a team that finished No. 2 nationally (54–14) —appear to have inspired university leaders. A statue would not only recognize athletic excellence but symbolize the program’s newfound stature.
Broader Significance
The plan, still in preliminary stages, reflects a larger trend in collegiate athletics: elevating standout women athletes and cementing their legacies on campuses. As Texas Tech evaluates budget, location, and design, athletic director and university planners are reportedly viewing the statue as both an honor for Canady and an inspiration to future Red Raiders.
While a precise erection date remains unclear, speculation centers on unveiling the statue before the 2026 season—potentially during next spring’s Homecoming or a softball-centric event.
Final Word
NiJaree Canady’s season has been nothing short of revolutionary—for her, her teammates, Texas Tech, and the sport of softball. A statue in her honor would be an enduring tribute: a physical manifestation of record-breaking excellence, individual ambition, and a program’s leap into national prominence.
Texas Tech’s decision to etch her likeness in bronze will mark a rare milestone—one that signals the rise of women’s sports icons and cements Canady’s place in collegiate history.
