Texas Tech’s NiJaree Canady has been named the NFCA Pitcher of the Year for the second consecutive time, while Nebraska’s Jordy Bahl has received the accolade of NFCA Player of the Year, as announced at the Women’s College World Series press conference in Oklahoma City. Both athletes have achieved this recognition for the first time in their respective programs’ histories.
Canady, who was a unanimous first-team All-American for the second straight season, showcased remarkable skill during her junior year with a stellar 30-5 record and a sensational 0.89 ERA, leading all of NCAA Division I. Her performance on the mound has been pivotal in guiding Texas Tech to its inaugural trip to the Women’s College World Series. Notably, Canady has struck out 279 batters while holding opponents to a remarkable .153 batting average, making her clearly stand out in various statistical categories.
Bahl also made headlines this season after a season-ending injury in 2024, returning with an impressive performance that propelled Nebraska to the Super Regionals as an unseeded team in 2025. Bahl is the first player in her program’s history to be named both Big Ten Player and Pitcher of the Year. She achieved the rare feat of recording 15 doubles and 15 home runs in a single season, in addition to being one of just five Division I players to accumulate 20 wins and 20 home runs across a season.
Both players not only excelled in their primary roles but also demonstrated versatility, contributing significantly at the plate as well as from the pitching circle. Bahl’s stats include a 26-8 record with a 1.56 ERA and 286 strikeouts, while her offensive contributions include a .462 batting average, 16 doubles, 23 home runs, and 66 RBIs, ranking her among the national leaders.
The NFCA Player and Pitcher of the Year awards celebrate exceptional achievement among softball student-athletes, determined through votes from the NFCA Division I All-American Committee. This year’s honors reflect the remarkable talent present in women’s collegiate softball and echo a growing appreciation for the sport.
With the outstanding performances from both Canady and Bahl this season, the future of collegiate softball looks incredibly bright. Their achievements inspire upcoming players and highlight the evolving landscape of women’s athletics, showcasing talent and dedication on a national stage.