Texas Tech Softball’s Historic 2025 Season: A Record-Breaking Run to the Women’s College World Series
The 2025 NCAA Division I softball season marked a historic chapter for the Texas Tech Red Raiders, culminating in their first-ever appearance in the Women’s College World Series (WCWS). Under the leadership of first-year head coach Gerry Glasco, the team not only reached the WCWS but also secured the Big 12 regular-season and tournament championships for the first time in program history .
Record-Breaking Viewership
The WCWS finals between Texas and Texas Tech set a new standard for NCAA softball viewership. Game 3 of the championship series drew an average of 2.4 million viewers, peaking at 2.7 million, making it the most-watched NCAA softball game to date . The full three-game series averaged 2.2 million viewers, marking a 13% increase from the previous year’s final .
Key Players and Achievements
Star pitcher NiJaree Canady, a transfer from Stanford, played a pivotal role in the team’s success. She was named the NFCA National Pitcher of the Year for the second consecutive year and signed a $1.2 million NIL deal with Texas Tech . Canady led the nation with 337 strikeouts and a 0.73 ERA, contributing significantly to the team’s achievements.
The 2025 WCWS finals between Texas and Texas Tech set a new viewership record for NCAA softball, with Game 3 averaging 2.4 million viewers and peaking at 2.7 million, making it the most-watched NCAA softball game in history .
Looking Ahead
Building on their historic 2025 season, Texas Tech is poised for continued success. The team’s performance has garnered widespread recognition, and with key players returning and new talent joining, the Red Raiders are set to remain a formidable force in NCAA softball.
The 2025 season not only showcased exceptional athletic performances but also highlighted the significant strides women’s sports have made in terms of visibility and recognition. As the sport continues to grow, it is poised to inspire future generations of athletes and fans alike.