#USA #Boston #Alex Hugo #WPBL #Women's Baseball

Alex Hugo: A New Chapter for Women in Baseball

In an exciting development for women’s sports, Team USA women's baseball icon Alex Hugo has been appointed as a special advisor to the Women’s Pro Baseball League (WPBL). This announcement was made on February 12, 2025, signaling a pivotal step towards elevating women’s baseball across the United States.

A Stellar Career and Recognitions

Hugo isn't just another name in the sport; she is the sole athlete to have won the USA Baseball Sportswoman of the Year Award twice—in 2019 and 2024. Her impressive accolades also include a silver medal as part of the Team USA contingent in the 2024 Women's Baseball Cup. "What the WPBL is doing for women's baseball is really important," noted Hugo. "I am thrilled to be a part of it."

For the past seven years, Hugo has been a consistent member of the USA Women's National Baseball Team and has played a pivotal role in various tournaments, including leading Team USA to a gold medal victory at the 2019 COPABE Women's Pan-American Championships. Her dynamic performance earned her the MVP title at that event.

Additionally, Hugo made headlines in 2019 by winning the Homerun Champion title during the Women’s Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) tournament. More recently, she participated in the Minor League's Homerun Derby, showcasing her extraordinary excellent hitting skills. Since 2023, she has also represented the Oakland Athletics as a Minor League Roving Instructor, further solidifying her commitment to advancing women's baseball.

Building a Strong Future

Dr. Justine Siegal, the co-founder of WPBL, shared her excitement about Hugo’s new role, saying, “Alex is a phenomenal player who has made significant contributions to our game. I know her leadership will impact the WPBL and inspire girls to follow their baseball dreams.” This collaborative engagement aims to enhance player development and recruitment within the league.

Before her illustrious baseball career, Hugo was a standout softball player at both the University of Kansas and the University of Georgia, where she earned first-team All-American honors and held the title for NCAA Division I homerun leader. Her path to greatness can be traced back to her impressive college career, which included an appearance in the Women’s College World Series.

The WPBL Vision

The WPBL is set to become the first of its kind in the United States, aiming to promote professional women’s baseball with six teams anticipated for launch in the summer of 2026. The league will encompass a full regular season, playoffs, and a championship event. Since its inception in October 2024, the WPBL has already seen over 800 players—many of whom are national team members—sign up for participation.

Adding further prestige to the WPBL's advisory board is Maybelle Blair, a former professional baseball player from the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League, who serves as the Honorary Chair. The board is composed of various influential female figures in both sports and business, aiming to empower and support the next generation of women athletes.

For further details on the emerging landscape of women's baseball through the WPBL’s initiatives, be sure to stay tuned for more updates at www.womensprobaseballleague.com.