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She's Softball's First $1 Million Pitcher—and She Could Be the Last

The Texas Tech softball team is just two wins away from the Women’s College World Series for one spectacular reason. It has a pitcher worth $1 million. That’s not hyperbole. Texas Tech’s booster collective actually paid NiJaree Canady a cool million to transfer from Stanford, where she was already a star, and suit up for […]

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She's Softball's First $1 Million Pitcher—and She Could Be the Last

The Texas Tech softball team is just two wins away from the Women’s College World Series for one spectacular reason.

It has a pitcher worth $1 million.

That’s not hyperbole. Texas Tech’s booster collective actually paid NiJaree Canady a cool million to transfer from Stanford, where she was already a star, and suit up for the Red Raiders this season.

And it looks like money well spent. Canady is responsible for 58% of Texas Tech’s wins. She has posted 28 wins against just five losses and struck out 272 batters over 191 innings pitched through Tuesday.

“She’s one of the top women athletes, so in my mind she deserved what some of those male athletes are getting,” said Tracy Sellers, who funded an endorsement from the school’s donor collective with her husband, John, a former Red Raiders defensive lineman. “I hope it’s setting the stage for the next girl.”

But athletes like Canady are suddenly an endangered species. That’s because a new set of rules that would severely restrict how much boosters can pay college athletes is likely to be enacted in the coming days. The ripple effect could mean fewer softball players, golfers, sprinters and other athletes from lower-profile sports earning big paydays.

If and when Judge Claudia Wilken approves a settlement to a consolidation of three antitrust lawsuits brought by athletes against the major conferences and the NCAA, two big shifts are set to take place. First, each college athletic department will be allowed to share about $20 million of its annual revenues with athletes. But roughly 90% of that money is expected to go to the marquee sports of football and men’s basketball—leaving scraps for sports like softball.

Second, outside deals for athletes to profit from their name, image or likeness (NIL) would begin to go through a new clearinghouse overseen by Deloitte.

In that clearinghouse, deals by major companies like Nike or State Farm are likely to pass muster, said someone familiar with a committee set up by the Power 5 conferences and NCAA to implement the settlement. Deals like Canady’s, funded primarily by booster collectives, are not.

“Booster deals are going to be more difficult to pass,” the person familiar said, adding: “The system is set up to not allow third parties to pay for play.”

After Canady’s sophomore season at Stanford last year, the pitcher entered the transfer portal, where a handful of powerhouse schools lined up to woo her. But it was the last place she visited—Lubbock, Texas—that won Canady over.

The key piece of her move was an endorsement deal from the donor collective known as the Matador Club, worth just over $1 million.

Since the Sellers became billionaires by flipping oil and gas leases in West Texas’s Permian Basin, they’ve donated handsomely to their alma mater. The couple gave $11 million to Texas Tech athletics in 2022, including $1 million for softball facility upgrades.

Canady had six-figure offers from other schools, but nothing close to what the Matador Club offered. But John Sellers, who described himself as a “ready, fire, aim” kind of guy, wanted to make a statement.

But donors like the Sellers could soon become much less influential. That is down to college sports’ continued resistance to characterizing athletes as employees, a move that would require a slew of new rights and regulations.

“I think if people/donors want to invest in sports, specifically Olympic and female sports, they should be given that opportunity,” Canady said. “Oftentimes athletes in these sports don’t really have opportunities to make life-changing deals after college.”

The NIL clearinghouse won’t preclude athletes like Canady from signing endorsement deals, but it will bring considerably more oversight. The organization will want to know, for instance, how a booster club can get $1 million of value in marketing from a player with a profile like Canady, who has 34,000 followers on Instagram but is hardly a household name.

Colleges’ pot of revenue-sharing money won’t be subject to such scrutiny, meanwhile, as long as schools stay under the $20.5 million limit. So an offensive lineman, anonymous as he may be, could receive $1 million directly from his school. But a star lacrosse player would be hard-pressed to gain approval for a $1 million outside of an NIL deal bankrolled by a wealthy alum.

Some in college sports say nixing such deals risks pushing booster money back under the table—where it was for decades.

For the moment, before the settlement is approved, athletes and booster collectives are scrambling to cut deals under the old regulations. The Matador Club has already signed Canady to a one-year extension worth another $1 million, according to a person familiar with the deal.

“Until we figure out exactly what they’re going to let go on,” Tracy Sellers said, “why not keep going?”

Write to Rachel Bachman at Rachel.Bachman@wsj.com and Laine Higgins at laine.higgins@wsj.com

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2025 Daily News Fans Boys Track & Field Athlete of the Year Poll

VIDEO: Action from Meet of Champions outdoor track and field, Day 1 The first day for the outdoor track Meet of Champions included two local champs: Westborough’s Daniel Velez (pole vault) and L-S’s Nico Begic (200). Who will break the tape? The 16 candidates for the 2025 Daily News Fans Boys Outdoor Track & Field […]

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Who will break the tape? The 16 candidates for the 2025 Daily News Fans Boys Outdoor Track & Field Athlete of the Year know how to finish on top of the podium.

They are champions at the sate and national level, college commits on the track and in other sports and school record holders.

There are 14 schools represented on the list. Lincoln-Sudbury and Algonquin have multiple options.

Vote below:

The poll will remain open for a week until noon Friday, July 18.



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Trinity Catholic volleyball sending Lyla Huggins, Addyson Avery to SEC

Trinity Catholic volleyball players Lyla Huggins and Addyson Avery left Adidas Nationals with a top five finish and still weren’t satisfied. It’s natural for the FHSAA Class 2A state runners-up to feel that way. After all, competitiveness is something both will need when they join SEC powerhouse programs University of Florida and Mississippi State. Lyla […]

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Trinity Catholic volleyball players Lyla Huggins and Addyson Avery left Adidas Nationals with a top five finish and still weren’t satisfied.

It’s natural for the FHSAA Class 2A state runners-up to feel that way. After all, competitiveness is something both will need when they join SEC powerhouse programs University of Florida and Mississippi State.

Lyla Huggins, a lifelong Florida fan, wasted no time committing to the Gators after they were one of the first schools to reach out to her on June 15th, the first day colleges can contact rising juniors. To be exact, Huggins received an interest email from the Gators on June 15 at 12:05 a.m.

Receiving an email from Florida volleyball came after years of attending camps put on by the Gators. UF’s coaching staff, with no interest in a new libero at the time, spotted Huggins at an elite camp and changed their minds.

Two days after their first conversation, Huggins made the verbal commitment she had dreamed of since childhood.

“It’s always been a dream of mine since I was a little girl,” Huggins said. “I’ve always been to camps there since I was little, and I’ve always thought about going there. And I don’t know if it was an easy decision for me. I just prayed to God, and I made the decision with my family, and it kind of just fell into my path.”

Meanwhile, first-team all-county middle blocker Addyson Avery fielded more than 30 emails on June 15th. Mississippi State won Avery’s commitment over her father’s alma mater Northwestern, California Berkeley, Houston, Clemson and others.

In being set to go to Starkville, Miss., Avery follows in the footsteps of former Celtics volleyball standout McKenna Yates, a current member of the Bulldogs. The camaraderie started with Yates the minute she committed. Avery even borrowed a Mississippi State warm-up jersey for her commitment pictures.

“It was really nice when I asked her (Coach Julie Darty Dennis) questions about the campus and the program,” Avery said. “It was all the things I was really looking for in a call, because I wasn’t being super picky about anything… They were talking about the program, the team chemistry, the training, conditioning and nutrition. It was all stuff that sounded really amazing.”

Avery and Huggins have the next two seasons to help Trinity Catholic and their club team, Ocala Power United, reach new heights before they join their college teams. As pivotal members of last year’s Final Four team, they both understand what it takes to get back to the biggest stage in Florida high school volleyball.

Then, after graduation, they’ll see each other from the other side of the net for the first time in their athletic careers.

“We were talking about we’ll see you on the other side,” Huggins said. “Obviously we’re going to compete, but we’ll still have that friendship there. I’m really excited. I’d be super fun against one of my friends. So can’t wait for that.”

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Meet Trinity Catholic middle Addyson Avery in 60 seconds

Addyson Avery makes her Star Banner debut with five quick questions right after her first district championship with Trinity Catholic volleyball

The rising juniors are the first players from a talented roster that Trinity Catholic head volleyball coach Jeff Reavis projects to have at least seven future college players. And it’s that kind of expectation that has earned the Celtics a reputation as one of the best programs in the FHSAA’s 2A classification.

“I’d like to say that those expectations don’t change. I mean, from year to year, as you know, we have we’ve been talented, Reavis said. “To have a team that’s nationally ranked every year from the City of Ocala, you know, is pretty incredible. Top five, Top 10 in the state, regardless of class, you know, that’s something that’s an expectation that the kids understand and it doesn’t change.”



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Meet syracuse.com’s 2025 All-CNY large school boys outdoor track and field team

Syracuse, N.Y. — The 2025 All-Central New York large school boys outdoor track and field team features 20 athletes chosen by syracuse.com reporters. Fayetteville-Manlius’ Nikita Domashenko was named the large school boys outdoor track and field athlete of the year at syracuse.com’s 2025 All-Central New York High School Sports Awards at Liverpool High School. The […]

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Syracuse, N.Y. — The 2025 All-Central New York large school boys outdoor track and field team features 20 athletes chosen by syracuse.com reporters.

Fayetteville-Manlius’ Nikita Domashenko was named the large school boys outdoor track and field athlete of the year at syracuse.com’s 2025 All-Central New York High School Sports Awards at Liverpool High School.

The other finalists were Camron Ingram of Cicero-North Syracuse, Alexios Acevedo of Henninger and Jacob Marji of Oneida.

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Hartpence, Noble Represent St. John Fisher In Brazil

Women’s Volleyball | 7/10/2025 4:58:00 PM Story Links PITTSFORD, N.Y. – Women’s volleyball standouts Kiera Hartpence and Kaylene Noble recently represented St. John Fisher University on the international stage, competing on a United States Division III National Team that traveled to Brazil.  The pair of Cardinals, who earned spots on the team […]

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Women’s Volleyball | 7/10/2025 4:58:00 PM

PITTSFORD, N.Y. – Women’s volleyball standouts Kiera Hartpence and Kaylene Noble recently represented St. John Fisher University on the international stage, competing on a United States Division III National Team that traveled to Brazil. 

The pair of Cardinals, who earned spots on the team for their impressive performances throughout their collegiate careers, played in four matches during the trip. Their team included players from Salisbury University, Christopher Newport, the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, the University of Wisconsin-Platteville and other Division III programs. 

“My experience in Brazil is something I will never forget. I was honored to be asked for such an amazing opportunity to be a part of the DIII USA National Team. I met so many successful athletes and made great connections with them,” Hartpence, a rising senior libero, said. “Playing on the court was so much fun and was a very high level of volleyball. I was able to meet other volleyball players in Brazil, trade my old jerseys and t-shirts, and learned about Brazilian culture, which was a great learning opportunity. This experience was unforgettable, and I am so glad I got to be a part of it.”

“Playing on the USA DIII National Team in Brazil was an amazing opportunity with a high level of play, an amazing group of girls and memories to last a lifetime,” Noble, a rising junior outside hitter, said. “Our team had great chemistry on and off the court, but we also made great relationships with the girls on the opposing teams, no matter if we won or lost. “It was such a rewarding experience, and it was so much fun to represent our country while playing against such good competition with some of the best DIII players in the nation.”

The trip, organized by USA Sports Tours and Events, provided selected student-athletes with a comprehensive international experience, immersing them in competition, Brazilian culture, social outreach and team bonding. Hartpence and Noble’s team went 3-1 in its matches against Brazilian volleyball clubs Louveira, Centro Olympico, Ripper Volei and Marina Barra Clube. 

Off the court, Hartpence and Noble enjoyed visiting various tourist attractions in the country, including the Christ the Redeemer statue and the Lapa Steps in Rio de Janeiro. They also visited several markets and beaches. 

Hartpence, the 2023 Empire 8 Conference Libero of the Year, has amassed 1,213 career digs, 294 assists and 117 service aces through her first three collegiate seasons. The three-time College Sports Communicators Academic All-District nominee studies management. 

One of the top offensive threats in the region, Noble, the E8 Rookie and Player of the Year as a freshman in 2023, slammed nearly 700 kills in her first two seasons as a Cardinal. The nursing major earned College Sports Communicators Academic All-District honors for the first time in her collegiate career in 2024. 

The Cardinals won their fifth Empire 8 Conference title under head coach Kelly Greapentrog in 2024. They made the program’s sixth appearance in the NCAA Tournament and ended the season 21-9 overall. 



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Game on: Beach Volleyball Lands in Canary Wharf – 10.07.25

Canary Wharf’s Union Square is now home to a full-sized beach volleyball court, live for one month Hosted by charity Action for Kids (AFK), the court offers a special summer experience, while raising funds to support young people with disabilities Beach Volleyball will run from Thursday 10th July to Sunday 10th August  Beach volleyball is […]

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  • Canary Wharf’s Union Square is now home to a full-sized beach volleyball court, live for one month
  • Hosted by charity Action for Kids (AFK), the court offers a special summer experience, while raising funds to support young people with disabilities
  • Beach Volleyball will run from Thursday 10th July to Sunday 10th August

 Beach volleyball is back at Canary Wharf this summer, hosted by leading child disability charity AFK, transforming Union Square into a sandy oasis. Featuring a full-sized beach volleyball court and a sitting court, adapted for those with physical impairments, available on select dates. This summer experience brings sport, sunshine and community spirit right into the middle of the city.  

Open to all from Thursday 10th July to Sunday 10th August, people can take part in pay-to-play sessions where they can sharpen their skills or try a brand-new sport while supporting a vital cause for young people with disabilities. Courts can be booked for £15pp with a minimum of four players per court. 

Those working in and around the neighbourhood can take full advantage of the courts with private hire ‘Beach and Brunch’ and ‘Beach and Late Lunch’ team building sessions in partnership with family run bakery Signorelli. For those looking to break up the workday or simply boost team morale, these sessions offer a fun, energising and tasty way for colleagues to connect outside the office – no volleyball experience required.  

This year will also see the return of the Beach Volleyball Championships on Thursday 31st July, where corporate teams from across the Wharf will compete for the prestigious title of Canary Wharf Champions. 

Canary Wharf is packed with places to explore and boasts a full programme of summer activities. Until the end of October, Open Water Swimming returns to the crystal clear waters of Eden Dock, the Wharf’s waterside haven. New to the neighbourhood this summer is stand-up paddleboarding and origami kayaking with sessions also hosted in the waters of Eden Dock – giving paddlers the perfect opportunity to admire the floating forests and aquatic habitats in full bloom. 

A blockbuster season awaits in Canary Wharf’s Canada Square Park as it has again transformed into a free to attend open air cinema. It’s Summer Screens are showing a huge range of films, hosting a Mario Kart Championship and featuring live broadcasts of the season’s unmissable sporting events until Saturday 27th September.  

Culture lovers can look forward to a packed Alfresco Arts schedule of theatre performances, family activities and pop-up lunchtime classical music concerts. Meanwhile the Wharf’s innovative Short Story Stations offer a quick read to relax, with free one, three and five minute long stories. 

Visitors can also enjoy free activities across the Wharf like a 9-hole minigolf courseby Craig & Karl, colourful ping pong tables, the ‘Raise Your Art Rate’art trail, and 16.5 acres of open spaces perfect for wandering, relaxing and soaking up the sun. 

Those looking to refuel after a busy day of activities have plenty of choice with over 80 cafes, bars and restaurants. These include the Wharf’s latest new restaurant, Barbarella – Big Mamma Group’s 70s-style hotspot, conveniently located right next to Eden Dock. Other nearby spots include British nose-to-tail dining by the team behind Fallow at Roe, plant-based restaurant mallow, and Kricket for dishes inspired by the flavours of India. 

Canary Wharf’s Action for Kids Beach Volleyball is now open until Sunday 10th August. For more information and to book a court, visit  

https://canarywharf.com/whats-on/afk-beach-volleyball-25/ 

Notes to Editors

About Canary Wharf Group (‘CWG’)

Canary Wharf Group (CWG) is the developer of the largest urban regeneration project in Europe. CWG develops, manages and currently owns interests in approximately 9 million square feet of mixed-use space and over 1,100 Build to Rent apartments. Canary Wharf’s retail offering is ranked the UK’s number one shopping destination by Green Street.  

CWG is committed to turning sustainability ambition into impactful action. Examples include purchasing 100% electricity from renewable sources since 2012, our partnership with the Eden Project creating a place for nature and people and working to deliver our Science-Based Targets.

CWG has created a 24/7 city where people can live, work and thrive and enjoy all the benefits that Canary Wharf provides: great transport links, access to 16.5 acres of green spaces and waterside living; and a wide range of amenities including an award-winning arts and events programme. Canary Wharf’s retail and leisure offer includes over 80 bars, cafes and restaurants and more than 320 shops, including 8 grocery stores, pharmacies and health clubs all within 15 minutes’ walk. CWG recorded its highest annual footfall of more than 72 million to its retail malls in 2024. 

Website: www.canarywharf.com  www.group.canarywharf.com

LinkedIn: @CanaryWharfGroup 

Instagram: @canarywharflondon

X: @CanaryWharfGrp @Level39CW

About Action for Kids (AFK): 

AFK’s mission is to create opportunities for children and young people who are disabled or neurodiverse, to increase their independence, reach their individual potential and remove the barriers they face. We focus on a young person’s potential and their aspirations, not the obstacles they encounter. Everyone deserves to do the things they love and dream about their future – being disabled or neurodivergent is just part of what makes you, YOU! Through specialised mobility equipment and personalised employment support, young people can access the world around them, build confidence, and fulfil their potential.  

 





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World Aquatics Championships: Singapore women’s water polo team suffers heavy defeat to Australia

The first day of the World Aquatics Championships saw Team Singapore opening their women’s water polo campaign. But against Paris Olympics runner-up Australia, the hosts fell to a heavy 34-2 defeat. Team Singapore, who finished last during their maiden appearance at last year’s championships, will face New Zealand on Sunday evening. They are behind Australia, […]

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The first day of the World Aquatics Championships saw Team Singapore opening their women’s water polo campaign. But against Paris Olympics runner-up Australia, the hosts fell to a heavy 34-2 defeat. Team Singapore, who finished last during their maiden appearance at last year’s championships, will face New Zealand on Sunday evening. They are behind Australia, Italy and New Zealand in Group A. Nadine Yeam reports.



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