Texas Rangers Youth Academy pitcher Aaliyah Marquez returned last week from her third MLB Develops Trailblazer Series. The annual three-day event takes place in conjunction with MLB’s Jackie Robinson Day celebration and was established in 2017 as a development opportunity for female baseball players across North America.

Marquez and dozens of athletes gathered at the Jackie Robinson Training Complex in Vero Beach, where they worked with an elite coaching staff comprised of women in professional baseball, including some on the USA Baseball Women’s National Team.

“It’s cool to be coached by women,” Marquez said. “It means a lot to me because I know the coaches have experienced a similar journey, and it helps me believe that I can continue to play baseball.”

As a repeat attendee, Marquez has gained confidence in her skills and the pursuit of a professional baseball career as she looks to blaze a trail like many of the inspiring women playing highly competitive baseball.

“Alex Hugo was one of my favorite coaches, and I hope to follow in her footsteps and play for Team USA,” Marquez said. “Kelsie Whitmore was my other favorite coach because she’s a professional pitcher, and I love to pitch.”

Marquez has become familiar with Hugo and Whitmore over the years and has established close friendships with several peers she’s met through these MLB Develops events designed to encourage women’s participation in baseball.

“My first time [at the Trailblazers Series], I was scared and shy and didn’t talk to anyone. This time, I was more confident in making new friends,” she said. “I felt like I belonged, I didn’t have to prove myself, and it was ok to fail.”

As she continues to develop her skills and looks to play high school baseball beginning in the fall of 2025, the lessons learned from the Trailblazer Series not only helped to fine-tune her hitting and fielding but also inspired the confidence needed to keep playing realize that Aaliyah Marquez has a place in baseball.