By ISAAC DEER
TopSports.news
After making an oral commitment to Stanford last fall, Topeka High softball star NiJaree Canady signed her letter of intent on Friday to play softball for the Cardinal.
The newest member of the Cardinal has built up quite the resume over the past four years.
Topeka High star NiJaree Canady made if official Friday, signing her national softball letter of intent with Stanford. [Photo by Isaac Deer/TSN]
Topeka High senior NaJaree Canady speaks during Friday's letter of intent signing with Stanford. [Photo by Isaac Deer/TSN]
Canady earned the 2021 Kansas Gatorade Player of the Year award, first-team All-Shawnee County and first-team all-state recognition, a state championship and many more laurels.
“Going to California and one of the best universities in the world is very exciting to me,” Canady said. “I go 110 percent in everything I do. Stanford softball is already amazing and I just want to add to that.”
As many accomplishments as Canady has received over the years, she has cherished and enjoyed her time with her teammates and friends the most.
Topeka High softball coach Shane Miles, former coaches and family members took the podium during Canady’s signing.
“It means everything to me that a lot of people showed up to the signing,” Canady said. “I wouldn’t be me at this point in my life without every one of them. There have been so many people that have touched me in so many ways. I can’t name every single person that has had an impact on me, but every person has impacted in some sort of way.”
The legacy and impact that Canady has made over the years have been enormous. Canady is humbled that she was able to help out her teammates and contribute to the Topeka High program.
“I want to be remembered as the girl that gave it her all in everything she did,” Canady said. “It doesn’t matter if it was in the classroom or on the field. I gave it all 110 percent and I want to be remembered as the person that did that.”
Canady reassured the crowd that her time at Topeka High isn’t over yet. She wants to continue making this softball season the best one yet. The job isn’t done yet for Canady and the Topeka High Trojans.
She also wanted to let her supporters know that now that she is headed to California, her brother BJ is the best athlete in the household.
Canady and the Trojans will take on Seaman at Seaman in a Centennial League showdown next Thursday at 4 p.m.
