Texas Tech’s NiJaree Canady’s next chapter in softball is already being written, and it’s big. Fresh off the first perfect game of her career, the Red Raiders ace now has clarity on what comes next for her. On Monday night, the Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL) made it official by drafting Canady No. 2 over all by the Texas Volts. The franchise is set to play its home games in Round Rock, Texas.
Canady didn’t slip into this moment quietly, she raised the ceiling for softball players across the nation. She is the reigning NFCA National Pitcher of the Year with a 21-4 record, 1.30 ERA, 194 strikeouts, and just 39 walks in 135 innings. Canady is efficient, powerful, and always in control.
Earlier this year, AUSL commissioner Kim Ng handed Canady one of just 17 coveted “golden tickets” fast-tracking the Lady Raider into the draft pool.
The Texas Tech Red Raiders are entering the postseason with a Big 12 title already secured, and Canady is peaking at exactly the right time for the team. The conference tournament starts on Thursday with the quarterfinals, and the expectation is simple: win.
The AUSL season will begin on June 9, with each team playing a 25-game slate before the championship on July 25 at Texas A&M.
This article originally appeared on Red Raiders Wire: Texas Tech’s NiJaree Canady drafted No. 2 by Texas Volts
Reporting by Lauren Beasley, Red Raiders Wire / Red Raiders Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
