OU Softball Eyes Pitching Boost as NiJaree Canady Seeks New Team; A Perfect Match

Just as OU softball aims to replenish its pitching depth after a historic fourth consecutive national championship, the nation’s top pitcher is reportedly seeking a new team. Stanford’s NiJaree Canady, the 2024 USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year, has entered the NCAA transfer portal, as reported by D1 Softball. Her intentions were initially reported by KSNT 27, a TV station in her hometown of Topeka, Kansas.

Canady had an outstanding season, posting a 24-7 record with a 0.73 ERA over 230⅔ innings, amassing 337 strikeouts and only 44 walks. She led Stanford to back-to-back Women’s College World Series appearances and helped them reach the national quarterfinals in 2024. Her career stats include a 41-10 record with a 0.66 ERA over 366⅓ innings, with 555 strikeouts to 65 walks.

Given her impressive track record, Canady would be a logical fit for OU. Head coach Patty Gasso needs a reliable pitcher who can handle significant innings, but Canady wouldn’t need to shoulder the entire load in Norman. Gasso has become more cautious with pitcher workloads after overusing Paige Parker during their 2016 and 2017 championship runs.

OU’s pitching rotation is in flux, with Kelly Maxwell, Nicole May, and Karlie Keeney exhausting their eligibility, and SJ Geurin entering the transfer portal. Returning pitchers include Kierston Deal, who had a strong sophomore year, and Paytn Monticelli, who showed promise in limited innings. Additionally, incoming freshman Audrey Lowry, the 2023-24 Gatorade Player of the Year in Indiana, could have an immediate impact.

While OU’s offense might experience some regression with the departure of stars like Tiare Jennings, Jayda Coleman, Kinzie Hansen, Alyssa Brito, and Rylie Boone, there’s a solid core returning. Freshman All-Americans Ella Parker and Kasidi Pickering will lead the way, supported by Hannah Coor, Nelly McEnroe-Marinas, and Maya Bland. The 2024 recruiting class includes top-ranked prospects, ensuring the Sooners’ offense remains potent.

Canady’s postseason experience would be invaluable to a younger OU team. Her 98 innings in the NCAA Tournament over the past two years dwarf the combined playoff experience of Deal and Monticelli. This experience could be crucial as Gasso aims to guide her team to more titles.

OU’s top-notch facilities, the new Love’s Field stadium, and the chance to work with pitching coach Jennifer Rocha, who has successfully developed transfer pitchers, make OU an attractive destination. Additionally, OU’s student manager KJ Miller, a friend of Canady’s from Topeka, could play a role in her recruitment.

Canady’s move to OU would benefit both parties. OU would gain a dominant pitcher, while Canady would have a platform to shine on a national stage, potentially reaching a level of visibility similar to Caitlin Clark in NCAA women’s basketball.

Ultimately, OU needs pitching, and Canady needs a new team. The Sooners and the Stanford star seem like a perfect match. How good? Time will tell. Insider sources believe its a done deal.