Devon Park is a familiar setting for NiJaree Canady. Recognized as one of the top pitchers in college softball, Canady has excelled at the Oklahoma City ballpark during the Women’s College World Series over the past two years while representing Stanford.
Now in the transfer portal, Canady returned to OKC this weekend as part of the U.S. Women’s Elite Team. In an exhibition game against Great Britain on Saturday, the Americans secured an 11-1 victory in four innings. The two teams are scheduled to face each other again on Sunday at 11 a.m., before Team USA heads to the Japan All-Star Series beginning July 4.
Canady didn’t pitch in the victory. Instead, former OU and Oklahoma State star Kelly Maxwell got the start and allowed just two hits in three innings, while former Oklahoma State and Alabama standout Lexi Kilfoyl tossed the final frame and allowed one hit and an unearned run.
Canady, who will be a junior next season and was named the 2024 USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year, announced on June 17 she was entering the portal. For now, the native of Topeka, Kansas, is just focused on Team USA.
Here is what Canady said about her experience in a brief interview with The Oklahoman on Saturday.
Q: I’m sure it’s a big goal of yours to play for Team USA, so can you just describe what this experience is like for you?
A: “It’s a dream come true. I grew up not only just watching college softball but Team USA compete, so to be able to be here is kind of a full circle moment.”
Q: What are your thoughts on Oklahoma City?
A: “It’s pretty close to home actually. Honestly, I love coming here and playing softball. … Especially being here with the World Series … it’s a great experience.”
Q: What do you think about the possibility of competing in the 2028 Summer Olympics? I’m sure that’s a huge goal of yours.
A: “Yes, of course. I feel like everyone on this team, that’s the ultimate goal to compete for Team USA. And we actually just found out it will be here, too, so that’s exciting. Kind of treating this as like a preview for that.”
