Mo’Ne Davis, the trailblazing athlete who made headlines as the first girl to pitch a winning game in the Little League World Series, is set to pursue another milestone in her career by attending tryouts for the new Women’s Professional Baseball League (WPBL) next month. The tryouts are scheduled to take place in Washington, D.C., from August 22 to 25, where she will compete with over 600 other players for a chance to be among the 150 selected for the league’s inaugural draft in October.
Davis, now 24, returned to the Marian Anderson Recreation Center in South Philadelphia—where her baseball journey began— to train for the upcoming trials. Under the mentorship of Steve Bandura, founder of the Anderson Monarchs, she has been honing her skills after stepping away from baseball in 2020. As she prepares, Davis is considering trying out in multiple positions, including outfield, infield, and pitching, although her preference leans toward center field, a position she has always found intriguing.
In previous years, Davis has achieved significant milestones, including her graduation from Hampton University and earning a graduate degree in sports management from Columbia University. Beyond her education, she has also made a mark in broadcasting by covering Little League games for ESPN and interning with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Davis’s journey reflects her commitment to expanding opportunities in women’s sports, particularly in professional baseball, which has historically offered fewer paths for female athletes. The WPBL aims to remedy this by launching six franchises in 2026, and Davis sees the tryouts as an opportunity not just for herself but also to contribute to the growth of women’s professional baseball.
Her enthusiasm for the sport remains strong. While she has not played competitively for some time, she is motivated to return to the field, aiming to prove that the potential for women in professional sports continues to expand. Conversations with league founder Justine Siegal have bolstered her resolve, confirming that her involvement could benefit women in baseball regardless of her tryout outcomes.
Davis’s focus on personal growth and continuous challenge embodies the spirit of resilience and determination. As she prepares for this next step, she remains hopeful that her journey will inspire others to pursue their own paths in sports. The establishment of the WPBL suggests a promising future for women in baseball, and with athletes like Davis leading the charge, the potential for progress is bright.