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Topeka High alum NiJaree Canady drafted No. 2 in 2026 AUSL Draft
TL;DR
NiJaree Canady, a Topeka High alum, was drafted No. 2 overall by the Texas Volts in the 2026 AUSL Draft. She was the second player selected, following Tennessee pitcher Karlyn Pickens.
Key points
- NiJaree Canady drafted No. 2 in 2026 AUSL Draft
- Drafted by Texas Volts
- Karlyn Pickens was the only player drafted before Canady
- Canady is a Topeka High School graduate
- She led her team to two state championships
Mentioned in this story
Topeka
NiJaree CanadyTexas VoltsAUSL Draft 2026Karlyn Pickens
Topeka native NiJaree Canady is going pro.
The Athletes Unlimited Softball League held its 2026 draft on Monday night, and the Topeka High School graduate was chosen second overall by the Texas Volts. Tennessee pitcher Karlyn Pickens was the lone player drafted before Canady.
Texas Tech's NiJaree Canady looks on before receiving her golden ticket to the 2026 AUSL draft, Friday, March 27, 2026, at Tracy Sellers Field.
Canady was a standout two-sport athlete for Topeka High, dominating in softball and basketball. She led the Trojans to their first two state championships in softball during her junior and senior years, and she was also named the Kansas Softball Gatorade Player of the Year both of these seasons.
The former Trojan's superstardom has continued at the collegiate level, first for Stanford and now for Texas Tech. Canady has led the Red Raiders this season with a 21-4 record and a 1.30 ERA, tallying 194 strikeouts to just 39 walks in 135 innings pitched. She was the first of 17 players to earn a "Golden Ticket" into the AUSL draft from commissioner Kim Ng earlier this year.
The AUSL season begins June 9 with each team scheduled to play 25 games through the regular season. The championship is set for July 25.
Texas Tech's NiJaree Canady receives a golden ticket to the 2026 draft from AUSL commissioner Kim Ng, Friday, March 27, 2026, at Tracy Sellers Field.
Q&A
Who was drafted before NiJaree Canady in the 2026 AUSL Draft?
Tennessee pitcher Karlyn Pickens was the only player drafted before NiJaree Canady.
What achievements did NiJaree Canady have in high school softball?
NiJaree Canady led Topeka High to two state championships in softball and was named the Kansas Softball Gatorade Player of the Year in her junior and senior years.
Which team drafted NiJaree Canady in the AUSL?
NiJaree Canady was drafted by the Texas Volts in the 2026 AUSL Draft.
