NiJaree Canady was awarded the first Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL) Golden Ticket of the year on Mar. 27 following No. 2 Texas Tech’s 9-1 victory over Iowa State, where she earned a complete-game win.
The Golden Ticket marks a player’s selection into the new professional softball league and began last season with eight student-athletes receiving the honor. This year, more players are expected to be recognized due to a strong senior class.
Canady received her ticket from AUSL commissioner Kim Ng and was also congratulated in a video message by Texas Tech alumnus and NFL MVP Patrick Mahomes. “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,” Ng said in an AUSL release. “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.”
Texas Tech has another connection to professional softball through assistant coach Kayla Kowalik, who currently plays for Carolina Blaze—the team holding this year’s top pick in the upcoming AUSL College Draft.
The AUSL College Draft Show is scheduled for Monday, May 4 at 7 p.m. Eastern Time on ESPN2, where selections including Canady’s future team will be announced.
