░B░r░e░a░k░i░n░g░ ░N░e░w░s░: Texas Tech’s Nijaree Canady Launches “A Hope Rising Foundation” to Support Children with Disabilities in Lubbock
LUBBOCK, TX — In a moment that’s capturing hearts across Texas and beyond, Texas Tech Red Raiders softball superstar Nijaree Canady has officially launched “A Hope Rising Foundation”, a nonprofit dedicated to transforming the lives of children with disabilities throughout the Lubbock region.
The foundation’s mission is rooted in compassion and community, aiming to provide free healthcare, meet essential needs, and deliver unwavering emotional support to children facing physical, developmental, and medical challenges. The announcement was made at a packed event at the Texas Tech athletic facility, where Canady stood alongside families, teammates, and medical professionals—all there to witness the beginning of something extraordinary.
> “God gave me a gift with this platform,” Canady said, holding back tears. “And now I want to give a gift back—to kids who need hope, who need help, and who deserve to be seen, loved, and celebrated.”
The foundation will begin by funding:
Medical care (including physical therapy and mobility assistance),
Adaptive sports and recreation programs,
Nutrition and hygiene kits for low-income families, and
Emotional wellness services, such as counseling and support groups for both children and parents.
Longer-term, Canady plans to launch a mobile outreach program that brings essential care and resources directly to rural communities throughout West Texas.
Canady said the idea for the foundation was born after visiting a local children’s rehabilitation center during a volunteer event last year.
> “I met a little boy named Isaiah who used a walker, but he had the spirit of a warrior,” she said. “He told me he wanted to play baseball one day. That lit something inside me. I left that visit changed.”
Her actions are already rippling through the community. Texas Tech University President Dr. Lawrence Schovanec praised Canady for her vision and humility.
> “Nijaree represents the very best of Red Raider athletics—not just in competition, but in character. She’s showing us what it means to lead with purpose.”
Social media quickly exploded with support following the foundation’s announcement. Fans, local leaders, and fellow athletes shared their admiration, calling her “an angel in cleats” and “Lubbock’s real MVP.” Hashtags like #HopeRising and #NijareeCares began trending just hours after the press conference.
Canady, who currently leads the Red Raiders in ERA and is a national contender for NCAA Pitcher of the Year, says her softball career and service mission are deeply intertwined.
> “Softball gave me the voice. Now I want to use it to speak up for kids who often go unheard,” she said. “They inspire me more than I could ever inspire them.”
With the creation of “A Hope Rising Foundation,” Nijaree Canady is doing more than dominating on the mound—she’s changing lives far beyond the field.