Pawol's rise to make MLB history came 28 years after the NBA gender barrier for game officials was broken and 10 years after the NFL hired its first full-time female official. The men's soccer World Cup first hired a female referee three years ago. The NHL has not had any women as on-ice officials.

Jen Pawol made history this weekend, becoming the first woman to umpire a game in the major leagues. After working over 1,200 minor league games at every level over the past 10 seasons, Pawol was given the call to be part of the crews for the Marlins-Braves series in Atlanta.

Jen Pawol made MLB debut as the first female umpire to call balls and strikes on Sunday, earning praise from Marlins manager for her composed performance throughout the nine innings.