Texas Tech's NiJaree Canady Awarded AUSL Golden Ticket

Softball star becomes first player of 2026 to earn prestigious pro league honor.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 3:36am

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NiJaree Canady, a standout pitcher for the No. 2 Texas Tech Red Raiders softball team, was awarded the first Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL) Golden Ticket of the 2026 season. The Golden Ticket signifies that Canady has been drafted into the professional AUSL league and will have the opportunity to continue her career at the next level after completing her college play.

Why it matters

The AUSL Golden Ticket is a prestigious honor, with only eight student-athletes receiving the award last season. Canady's selection highlights her exceptional talent and the growing pipeline between top college softball programs and the professional ranks.

The details

Canady, a senior at Texas Tech, earned the Golden Ticket following a complete-game victory over Iowa State on Friday night. The award was presented to her by AUSL commissioner Kim Ng, and Canady also received a congratulatory video message from Texas Tech alumnus and NFL MVP Patrick Mahomes.

  • NiJaree Canady was awarded the AUSL Golden Ticket on March 27, 2026.
  • The AUSL College Draft Show, where Canady and other draftees will learn which team they've been selected to, will air on May 4, 2026 at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN2.

The players

NiJaree Canady

A standout senior pitcher for the No. 2 Texas Tech Red Raiders softball team.

Kim Ng

The commissioner of the Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL).

Patrick Mahomes

A Texas Tech alumnus and NFL MVP who sent a congratulatory video message to Canady.

Kayla Kowalik

A Texas Tech assistant coach who currently plays for the Carolina Blaze in the AUSL.

Carolina Blaze

The AUSL team that owns the first overall pick in the 2026 AUSL College Draft.

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What they’re saying

“As one of the most talented players in the game today, it is fitting that NiJaree is the first recipient of a Golden Ticket this year. This is also the beginning of what will be a truly special draft class, with many outstanding players across the country. The Golden Ticket represents an important milestone as we recognize players who have been selected in the draft and will have the opportunity to continue their careers at the professional level in the AUSL once their college careers are complete.”

— Kim Ng, Commissioner, Athletes Unlimited Softball League

What’s next

The AUSL College Draft Show will air on Monday, May 4, 2026 at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN2, where Canady and the other draftees will learn which AUSL team they have been selected to.

The takeaway

NiJaree Canady's AUSL Golden Ticket honor underscores her exceptional talent and the growing pipeline between elite college softball programs and the professional ranks. As the first recipient of the award this season, Canady's selection highlights the rising profile of the AUSL and the opportunity for top student-athletes to continue their careers at the next level.