Texas Tech is a win away from its first Women's College World Series championship in program history, and it has ace pitcher NiJaree Canady to thank for its rise to title contention. The three-time All-American joined the Red Raiders this season on a historic NIL deal worth more than $1 million,

Ramona Shelburne of ESPN reported that the ace pitcher had signed a "seven-figure NIL deal" to keep her with the program past the 2025 season. The junior right-hander had transferred to Texas Tech from Stanford ahead of the 2025 season and became the first softball player to secure a NIL deal in excess of $1 million.

The Texas Longhorns face off with the Texas Tech Red Raiders one last time to determine the champion at the Women's College World Series on Friday, June 6.