Olivia Pichardo of Brown University became the first women’s Division I baseball player

“It’s crazy to know that I’m living my dream now,” said the 18-year-old from Queens, New York, of her performance.

The school announced Monday that Olivia Pichardo of Brown University made history as the first woman to form an NCAA Division I baseball team.

The 18-year-old freshman from Queens, New York, said in a statement Monday that he was thrill. “That was really a surreal moment for me because I wanted it since eighth grade.”

“It’s kind of crazy to know that I’m living my dream now and have the perfect college experience that I always wanted, so that’s really cool,” he added.

Pichardo, who has played baseball extensively since he was five years old. Attended team tryouts and participated in an intensive week-long evaluation process that included practice sessions with current players. He was drafted into the team roster, and the season start in February 2023. “This is a regular baseball drill and allows us to assess athleticism and arm strength. As well as offensive and defensive ability,” explains Brown University head coach Grant Achilles.

“Olivia has put together the most complete sample I’ve seen of a player since I’ve been head coach.”

His interest in sports started in kindergarten, and Pichardo first showed his talent for Forest Hills Little League in Queens. He went on to play travel baseball on Long Island and the Park School Varsity High School baseball team. Pichardo continue to shine after being name to the US women’s national baseball team as a right-hander and outfielder. Playing in the 2022 Summer Friendly Series against Team Canada in Ontario and helping Team USA win a five-game series to win.

When Achille announced that Pichardo would officially join the team for Spring 2023. He was greet with cheers from the other male teammates.