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After last year's Women's College World Series loss against Texas, one thing was clear to Texas Tech: NiJaree Canady, as good as she is, can't do everything herself.
In response, Gerry Glasco and the Red Raiders reloaded in their second season. Texas Tech pillaged the transfer portal, landing the likes of Taylor Pannell from Tennessee, Jazzy Burns from Ohio State, Mia Williams from Florida, Jackie Lis from Southern Illinois, and Desirae Spearman from New Mexico.
REQUIRED READING: Texas Tech softball reloaded its WCWS roster through the transfer portal. Here's how
However, there's an argument none of those players have been as valuable as two-way star Kaitlyn Terry from UCLA.
Terry, who has become a left-handed complement to Canady, has been a boon for Glasco's Red Raiders. She has thrown 138 2/3 innings with an ERA of 1.67 while also posting a batting average of .448. She has played like a bona fide two-way star, and that has shined through in the 2026 NCAA Softball Tournament.
Indeed, Terry and Canady have been swapped out batter-to-batter by Glasco, only highlighting the trust he has in both of his arms. And while UCLA has put together an impressive season despite the departures of both Terry and Addisen Fisher, the Bruins undoubtedly won't be thrilled to see their former teammate in the circle May 31.
Here's what to know of Terry's transfer:
UCLA was ravaged in the transfer portal last year. After having one of the best pitching triumvirates in the sport in 2025, the Bruins saw Terry and Fisher go to Texas Tech and Georgia, respectively, leaving Taylor Tinsley — the pitcher Texas Tech will undoubtedly see May 31 — as the last woman standing in the circle.
Terry in particular entering the portal came as a bit of a shock after two seasons with UCLA. Texas Tech, however, is an easy sell: It's a program that is willing to spend and finished as runners up in the Women's College World Series, so the blueprint to win was in place.
The reasons for Terry's departure are ultimately unclear, although as with anything, money was undoubtedly a factor — Canady, for example, has earned a reported $1 million or more in NIL each of the last two seasons in Lubbock.
Beyond that, Terry has stepped in as one of the most ruthlessly efficient platoons in the sport and has posted a career-best ERA and a batting average against of under .200 for the first time in her career. Now, she'll look to continue what has already been an extremely impressive season, and end her former team's year in the process.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Why did Kaitlyn Terry transfer from UCLA? Texas Tech star faces former team
Continue reading...
In response, Gerry Glasco and the Red Raiders reloaded in their second season. Texas Tech pillaged the transfer portal, landing the likes of Taylor Pannell from Tennessee, Jazzy Burns from Ohio State, Mia Williams from Florida, Jackie Lis from Southern Illinois, and Desirae Spearman from New Mexico.
REQUIRED READING: Texas Tech softball reloaded its WCWS roster through the transfer portal. Here's how
However, there's an argument none of those players have been as valuable as two-way star Kaitlyn Terry from UCLA.
Terry, who has become a left-handed complement to Canady, has been a boon for Glasco's Red Raiders. She has thrown 138 2/3 innings with an ERA of 1.67 while also posting a batting average of .448. She has played like a bona fide two-way star, and that has shined through in the 2026 NCAA Softball Tournament.
Indeed, Terry and Canady have been swapped out batter-to-batter by Glasco, only highlighting the trust he has in both of his arms. And while UCLA has put together an impressive season despite the departures of both Terry and Addisen Fisher, the Bruins undoubtedly won't be thrilled to see their former teammate in the circle May 31.
Here's what to know of Terry's transfer:
Why did Kaitlyn Terry transfer from UCLA?
UCLA was ravaged in the transfer portal last year. After having one of the best pitching triumvirates in the sport in 2025, the Bruins saw Terry and Fisher go to Texas Tech and Georgia, respectively, leaving Taylor Tinsley — the pitcher Texas Tech will undoubtedly see May 31 — as the last woman standing in the circle.
Terry in particular entering the portal came as a bit of a shock after two seasons with UCLA. Texas Tech, however, is an easy sell: It's a program that is willing to spend and finished as runners up in the Women's College World Series, so the blueprint to win was in place.
The reasons for Terry's departure are ultimately unclear, although as with anything, money was undoubtedly a factor — Canady, for example, has earned a reported $1 million or more in NIL each of the last two seasons in Lubbock.
Beyond that, Terry has stepped in as one of the most ruthlessly efficient platoons in the sport and has posted a career-best ERA and a batting average against of under .200 for the first time in her career. Now, she'll look to continue what has already been an extremely impressive season, and end her former team's year in the process.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Why did Kaitlyn Terry transfer from UCLA? Texas Tech star faces former team
Continue reading...
