Olivia Pichardo, a first-year student from Queens, N.Y., will be first woman on the roster of a Division I college baseball team in the U.S.
Pichardo, 18, is a walk-on to the Brown team, meaning she made the squad via tryout rather than recruitment. She’s a utility player, able to play a variety of positions defensively.
Brown baseball coach Grant Achilles said this week that Pichardo made the roster after a great performance during the team’s fall practices. “Olivia put together the most complete walk-on tryout I have seen from a player since becoming a head coach,” said Achilles.
“It’s kind of crazy to know that I’m living out my dream right now and my ideal college experience that I’ve always wanted, so that’s really cool. I did not expect that at all — that definitely took me by surprise,” Pichardo said.
Baseball For All, an organization that advocates for girls and women in baseball, keeps a list of colleges and universities that will consider talented players, regardless of gender. There are 8 women (including Pichardo) who are rostered to play varsity college baseball in the spring of 2023, according to the organization.
Pichardo will be a utility player in both the infield and outfield when the college season starts.