NiJaree Canady Has Been Dealing With Hamstring Tear Throughout 2025 Season

Originally posted on Heartland College Sports
By Bryan Clinton | Last updated Jun 2, 2025 12:02 PM ET

In a stunning revelation, Texas Tech softball star NiJaree Canady has played through the Women’s College World Series (WCWS) despite battling a hamstring tear for the last nine weeks, according to a report from Ari Temkin citing head coach Gerry Glasco.

Remarkably, Canady hasn’t even participated in bullpen sessions for the past 12 weeks, underscoring the severity of her injury and her resilience.

Texas Tech softball star — NiJaree Canady — played this season with a hamstring tear she had for 9 weeks, via @GerryGlasco on @tunein.

Nija has not had bullpen sessions for 12 weeks this season.
— Ari Temkin (@arisports) June 2, 2025

Despite this adversity, Canady has been exceptional. In Texas Tech’s historic WCWS run, she has delivered dominating performances, including a two-hit shutout with 10 strikeouts against Ole Miss and another gem—a four-hit, seven-strikeout victory—over UCLA.

Her presence has been the cornerstone of the Red Raiders’ success as they stand just one victory away from reaching their first-ever Women’s College World Series Championship Series.

Now, Texas Tech (2-0) prepares to face a fierce Oklahoma squad (2-1), the four-time defending national champions, on Monday at 6:00 p.m. CT. The Sooners must defeat Canady and Texas Tech twice in the semifinals to continue their quest for another championship, placing immense pressure on their lineup against the injured but still formidable pitcher.

This semifinal clash is set to be as dramatic as it is historic, with Canady’s story of perseverance adding an emotional layer to an already intense rivalry.

Fans can catch this showdown live on ESPN or stream via the ESPN app and ESPN+.

This article first appeared on Heartland College Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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