Making HERstory: Monroe Mustangs Welcome First Female Student-Athlete to the Men's Baseball Team

In a milestone for Monroe Athletics program, Yedlimar De Jesús, a 17-year-old pitcher from Puerto Rico, has been added to the roster for the men’s baseball roster — marking the first time a woman has joined the program.

De Jesús, a native of Arecibo, was featured in a recent News 12 story, which spotlighted her scrimmage at Flowers Park and the reaction from her new teammates and coach. In the segment, head coach John Torres spoke of being drawn to her talent, character, and confidence, while teammates expressed support and optimism for what she brings to the mound.

“She is very grateful for it because it’s something that I can open doors for other women in baseball programs,” De Jesús told News 12. She has long rejected the notion of switching to softball, saying she’s 'grown up playing baseball, hardball.'”

The full News 12 feature can be viewed here: “Freshman Makes History as First Woman to Play Men’s Baseball at Monroe University.”

With this move, Monroe not only gains a promising young arm on the mound, but also sets a precedent in collegiate athletics. De Jesús’ arrival may well become a beacon for future female athletes seeking to compete at the highest levels of baseball.