Texas Tech softball ace NiJaree Canady continues her trailblazing career by becoming the first college softball player to launch a player-exclusive cleat. The All-American announced the historic collaboration with Adidas on social media.
The “ADIZERO Instinct 2.0 PT Nija” cleat is a stunning tribute to the historic impact Canady has made on the Texas Tech program. These white cleats feature a classic, clean design with striking red toes and an inner lining. The aesthetic is further enhanced by bold red-and-black stripes on the outside of the foot.
Her social media video shows Canady opening a lock box that features her gold-printed signature on the lid. The cleat itself displays her jersey number, 24, and signature on the back, while a “pitching toe” tag is attached to the laces.
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Canady wrote on Instagram, “Such a dream come true! So incredibly blessed and thankful to have the opportunity to come out with my own cleat!”
The cleats are scheduled to be available for purchase later this season.
Her endorsement profile continues to grow, notably including promotions for softball gear and a collaboration with Patrick Mahomes’ NIL group via Adidas. This follows her historic move in 2024 as the first college softball player to sign a million-dollar contract, which was supplemented by another seven-figure NIL deal with Texas Tech’s Matador Club at the conclusion of the previous season, according to Sports Illustrated.
In 2025, Canady’s arrival as a transfer immediately made history for the Red Raiders. She led the team to their first-ever appearance in the Women’s College World Series (WCWS) finals and was recognized as the nation’s top softball player, winning the Honda Sport Award.
Her outstanding performance on the mound, highlighted by a dominant 34-7 win-loss record and an exceptional 1.11 earned run average (ERA), alongside 319 strikeouts, earned her the prestigious Big 12 Pitcher of the Year honors.
Demonstrating her all-around athleticism, she also significantly contributed on the offensive side, leading the team with 11 home runs and boasting a remarkable .639 slugging percentage. By the close of the season, she had cemented her place in the program’s history.
Entering her senior season, she propelled Texas Tech to the No. 1 ranking in several preseason polls, positioning the team as the favorite to win the WCWS. The former USA Player of the Year was also named to the top 50 watchlist. Her exceptional talent and commitment make her one of the most exciting players in college softball this season.
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