Softball icon Danielle Lawrie, a two-time USA Softball Player of the Year and two-time Olympian, discussed potential transfer options for NiJaree Canady, the outgoing Stanford standout.
Lawrie mentioned Oklahoma Sooners, the four-time defending champions, as an obvious choice. However, she noted that while Canady might have her preferences, Lawrie herself wouldn’t favor a team losing 10 seniors and would prefer to contribute to a new contender. Texas was also considered, but Lawrie pointed out the challenge of joining an established Longhorns pitching staff, which might not align with Canady’s preferences.
Lawrie highlighted Florida State as a strong option for NiJaree Canady, praising Lonni Alameda’s coaching expertise in pitching, which Lawrie experienced firsthand during their time together in the Olympics. While Lawrie mentioned a few other schools, she emphasized the importance of winning, making Oklahoma a highly probable destination for Canady, the reigning National Collegiate Player of the Year.
Canady’s standout 2023 season, where she recorded 337 strikeouts in 230.2 innings with an impressive 0.73 ERA, has made a lasting impression. Lawrie described Canady as one of the top five pitchers she has ever witnessed in person, highlighting her exceptional power that stands out in the history of softball.
Wherever NiJaree Canady chooses to continue her career, her time at Stanford will be celebrated as one of the program’s finest, despite not leading the Cardinal to the ultimate success. Her exceptional production will be incredibly difficult to replace, making it a top priority for the coaching staff during the upcoming offseason.
