OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma – Texas Tech standout NiJaree Canady continues to make headlines, as she has been named one of four finalists
for the 2025 Honda Sport Award for Softball. The announcement came Friday from the Collegiate Women Sport Awards (CWSA), marking another milestone in Canady’s remarkable collegiate career. Canady previously captured the prestigious honor in 2024, and her return as a finalist this year underscores her continued dominance on the field and excellence as a student-athlete.
Presented annually for the past 49 years, the Honda Sport Award recognizes the top women athletes across 12 NCAA-sanctioned sports. It celebrates athletic achievement, leadership, academic excellence, and community involvement. The recipient of each sport-specific Honda Award becomes a finalist for the Honda Cup, awarded to the Collegiate Woman Athlete of the Year on June 30.
Canady’s inclusion among this year’s finalists is hardly surprising. Following up her award-winning 2024 season, she delivered another stellar campaign in 2025, solidifying her reputation as one of the most formidable pitchers in collegiate softball. Her dominant presence in the circle was matched by her leadership off the field, where she maintained academic excellence and played a key role in her community.
As a Red Raider, Canady has consistently set the bar high. In 2025, she led Texas Tech to a deep postseason run, posting eye-popping statistics including a sub-1.00 ERA and leading the nation in strikeouts. Her command, velocity, and poise under pressure made her virtually untouchable, while her humble demeanor and team-first mentality endeared her to fans and teammates alike.
The Honda Sport Award finalists are selected by a panel of coaches from the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA), and the winner is determined by a vote of administrators from over 1,000 NCAA member institutions. This process ensures that the award reflects not only athletic skill but also the character and contributions of each athlete across the broader collegiate community.
For Canady, being named a finalist once again is a testament to her consistency and impact. Few athletes manage to earn back-to-back nominations, let alone win twice. If she secures the 2025 award, she will join a short list of repeat winners in Honda Award history.
Her accomplishments speak to a broader legacy — one that inspires young athletes and contributes to the growth of women’s sports. With the Honda Cup on the horizon, Canady stands as a powerful symbol of excellence and determination in collegiate athletics.
As the June 30 ceremony approaches, all eyes will be on Canady and her fellow finalists. Regardless of the final outcome, her continued presence among the sport’s elite is a testament to her unmatched talent, relentless work ethic, and the respect she commands throughout the softball world.
