In a groundbreaking moment for Major League Baseball, Jen Pawol is set to make history this weekend as the first woman to officiate an MLB game. The 48-year-old New Jersey native will work the bases during Saturday’s doubleheader between the Miami Marlins and Atlanta Braves, and take the plate on Sunday.

Pawol’s journey to this milestone is a testament to her lifelong dedication to sports. A former all-state softball and soccer player from West Milford High School, she went on to play collegiate softball at Hofstra University and even represented the USA Baseball women’s national team in 2001.

After a competitive athletic career, Pawol found her calling in officiating. She began umpiring NCAA softball from 2010 to 2016 and attended an MLB umpire tryout camp in 2015. Her hard work paid off when she was invited to the Umpire Training Academy in Florida and subsequently offered a job in the Gulf Coast League in 2016.

Commissioner Rob Manfred praised Pawol’s achievement, stating that her success reflects her “hard work, dedication and love of the game”. Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts echoed this sentiment, noting that baseball has been “completely inclusive”.

Pawol’s breakthrough comes years after similar milestones in other professional sports. The NBA first hired a female referee in 1997, the NFL in 2012, and women have refereed in international soccer competitions. Her promotion highlights the ongoing progress towards gender diversity in professional sports officiating.

As a trailblazer, Pawol represents hope and inspiration for women and girls aspiring to careers in professional sports. Her journey demonstrates that talent, persistence, and passion can break down long-standing barriers.

With her debut this weekend, Jen Pawol is not just making history – she’s changing the game, quite literally.