Canady, Hunter Named Big 12 Athletes of Year

NiJaree Canady of Texas Tech has been named the Big 12 Female Athlete of the Year, becoming the first from her university to receive the honor in her first season after transferring from Stanford. Canady led Texas Tech softball to its best season, including a runner-up finish in the Women's College World Series, excelling as both a pitcher and hitter despite playing with a torn hamstring. She recorded a 1.11 ERA, 319 strikeouts, tied the program record with 34 wins, and hit 11 home runs. Her accolades include Big 12 Pitcher of the Year, Most Outstanding Player of the Big 12 Championship, Honda Sport Award winner, and First Team All-American honors. Colorado's Travis Hunter, a Heisman Trophy winner and the No. 2 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, was named Big 12 Male Athlete of the Year. Both Canady and Hunter are the first from their universities to win these awards.