Boston, Mass. (January 9, 2026) --- Assistant Coach Jacqui Reynolds has made history, becoming a member of the inaugural season of the Women's Professional Baseball League (WPBL). Reynolds was selected by the New York franchise in Round 3, Pick 6 of the WPBL Draft on November 20, 2025, marking a significant milestone for both Reynolds and the continued growth of women's baseball. 

Reynolds was one of more than 600 players who attended open tryouts that began in August at the Washington Nationals Youth Academy. The multi-day evaluation process featured players from all levels of baseball competing for a limited number of opportunities. Tryouts were structured across three days, with Day 1 and Day 2 operating in a showcase format where pitchers threw bullpen sessions and position players displayed their skills in front of league evaluators. Players were either released or advanced through each stage. 

Reynolds was invited directly to Day 3, where the format shifted to include multiple live scrimmages in addition to individual evaluations. 

"It was amazing seeing talent from all levels just trying to be a part of it," Reynolds said. "Even watching the first two days, it really showed how much women's baseball has grown." 

From Day 3, select players were invited to a final evaluation at Nationals Park, home of the Washington Nationals. There, players were divided into four teams and competed in two games on the Major League field. Reynolds played outfield, collected multiple hits, and even took the mound briefly before time expired. 

Following that final evaluation, players were notified that they were draft-eligible. In total, 120 players were selected in the WPBL Draft. The draft consisted of six rounds with 20 picks per round—five per team—using a snake-style format. Draft order was determined by random draw, with teams selecting in the following order: San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York, and Boston. 

Reynolds was drafted in the third round by New York, joining one of four inaugural franchises. 

The WPBL will launch its first season in 2026 in Springfield, Illinois, at Robin Roberts Stadium. Teams will carry 15 players each and compete in 2-3 games a week during the regular season from August through mid-September, followed by postseason playoffs. The league marks the first women's professional baseball league since the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League, which operated from 1943 to 1954. 

Beyond the historic achievement, Reynolds emphasized the league's importance for the next generation of players. 

"Growing up, I wish we had more women's baseball representation," Reynolds said. "This league shows the younger generation that there is space for them in baseball—that they don't have to give it up or feel forced to choose softball if baseball is what they love." 

Women's baseball participation has expanded rapidly in recent years through initiatives such as the Maria Pepe Little League Legacy Series and MLB-supported programs including the Trailblazer Series, Breakthrough Series, Girls Baseball Elite Development Invitational, and MLB GRIT. Reynolds believes the WPBL will serve as a powerful continuation of that progress. 

"Being able to play in this league gives us the chance to be role models," she said. "If opportunities like this existed when I was younger, I would have pushed even harder to stay in the game." 

Reynolds also expressed excitement about competing alongside and against international players, noting the opportunity to learn from different baseball cultures and styles. 

"Baseball is taught in so many ways around the world," she said. "I'm excited to learn from those players and expand my understanding of the game." 

A native of Massachusetts, Reynolds attended Woburn Memorial High School before continuing her education at Southern New Hampshire University. She has been a member of the UMass Boston Beacons baseball coaching staff since 2021, serving as an assistant coach for player development. 

"Jacqui has been a Swiss Army Knife since she started six years ago," said UMass Boston Head Baseball Coach Brendan Eygabroat. "She has worked with infield, outfield, hitters, and the pitching staff. Currently, she's our pitching development coach, organizing arm care programs and running daily development drills." 

Eygabroat also highlighted Reynolds' work behind the scenes, including coordinating social media, tracking fall statistics, and contributing to individualized player development plans. 

Beyond her technical expertise, Reynolds' presence as a female coach in a male-dominated sport has had a lasting impact. 

"She brings a great perspective to our program," Eygabroat said. "Her experience with Driveline, Cressey Performance, collegiate summer leagues, the Arizona Fall League, and USA Baseball adds tremendous value. Our players respect her knowledge and ability, and they've been incredibly receptive." 

That respect was evident on draft night. 

"A bunch of players were watching the draft live and went crazy when she was selected," Eygabroat said. "They know how hard she's worked for this." 

Reynolds credits her coaching experience at UMass Boston with helping her grow both as a coach and as a player. 

"Baseball is such a mental game," she said. "I try to practice what I preach, and that's made me a better player too. The guys push me just as much as I push them." 

As Reynolds prepares for the WPBL's inaugural season, she carries both excitement and purpose into this next chapter. 

"I'm thrilled to have this opportunity," she said. "Not just to compete, but to represent the game and help show the next generation that baseball is a place where they belong."