Jen Pawol is poised to make history as the first woman umpire in Major League Baseball, officiating games this weekend between the Miami Marlins and Atlanta Braves. On Saturday, she will take her position on the bases during a doubleheader at Truist Park, followed by serving as the home plate umpire on Sunday, as confirmed by MLB.
At 48 years old and hailing from New Jersey, Pawol has previously officiated during spring training games in 2024 and earlier this year. This milestone comes almost three decades after the NBA broke the gender barrier for game officials, which was followed by the NFL a decade later and the inclusion of women referees at the men’s soccer World Cup three years ago. However, the NHL remains the only major sports league without a female referee.
Pawol has distinguished herself in the world of sports; she was an all-state softball and soccer player at West Milford High School in New Jersey before earning a softball scholarship to Hofstra University. She has a notable athletic background, having participated on the USA Baseball women’s national team in 2001. After pursuing a master’s degree and teaching certification, Pawol transitioned from local competitions to officiating, stating last year that she wasn’t satisfied with her competitive career and felt the urge to umpire.
Her journey in officiating began with NCAA softball from 2010 to 2016, culminating in her attendance at an MLB umpire tryout camp in 2015. She subsequently trained at the Umpire Training Academy in Vero Beach, Florida, leading to her hiring in the Gulf Coast League in 2016.
The advancement of women in sports officiating has seen others break through in recent years: Violet Palmer was the NBA’s first female referee in 1997, Sarah Thomas became the NFL’s first woman on-field official in 2015, and Stéphanie Frappart made headlines as the first female referee in a men’s World Cup match in 2022. Moreover, Rebecca Walsh recently officiated in England’s Premier League, expanding opportunities for women in officiating roles.
Pawol’s entry into Major League Baseball is not only a significant personal achievement but also a historic step for inclusion in sports. This moment underscores the evolving landscape of athletics, where gender barriers continue to be challenged and dismantled, paving the way for future generations of female officials.