Jen Pawol, who is on the verge of making history as the first female umpire to officiate a Major League Baseball game, reportedly has no husband.
The umpire was born on December 29, 1976, in West Milford, New Jersey. She developed a love for sports from a young age.
She began her athletic journey in softball and soccer, but it was umpiring that would eventually capture her full attention. During her time in college, Pawol started officiating fast-pitch softball games to support her studies.
This experience increased her passion for officiating and led her to a professional career in umpiring. In 2016, Pawol decided to pursue umpiring full-time by attending the Minor League Baseball Umpire Training Academy in Vero Beach, Florida.
She quickly climbed the ranks, starting in the Gulf Coast League and proving herself as a capable and reliable umpire. Her journey through the minor leagues led her to make history in 2024 when she became the first woman to umpire at the Triple-A level.
The next chapter of Jen Pawol’s journey is her upcoming MLB debut, set for the 2025 season. She will become the first female umpire to officiate a regular-season game between the Miami Marlins and the Atlanta Braves.
A Private Life With A Focus On The Game
Despite being in the public eye due to her groundbreaking career and upcoming historic achievement, Jen Pawol is known for keeping her personal life private. She was born to Jim Pawol, after her mother, Victoria Pawol.
Her father, Jim Pawol, reportedly raised her after the demise of her mother, Victoria, at an early age. Details about her, relationships, or whether she has a husband have not been widely shared.
This sense of privacy may be attributed to her decision to focus primarily on her professional journey.
In interviews, Pawol has always emphasized that her achievements as an umpire are her primary focus, and she has preferred to keep her personal life secret.
As Jen Pawol prepares to make her MLB debut, she stands as an inspiration for young women around the world who dream of pursuing careers in sports, particularly in fields traditionally dominated by men. “I’m here to do my job,” Pawol shared in a recent interview.
“But if my being here helps to inspire someone else to follow in my footsteps, then that’s the real win.”
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Before becoming a full-time umpire, Pawol worked as an art teacher and holds a Master of Fine Arts degree.
- Jen Pawol was selected as one of the top umpires to officiate in Spring Training games in 2024.
- She officiated over 1,000 games across various levels before making her MLB debut, including games in Triple-A, Double-A, and the Gulf Coast League.