10/06/2025
This week, we welcome four trailblazing umpires who are making history in the new Women’s Professional Baseball League (WPBL) — Kelly Elliott Dine, Sophiya Liu, Greta Langhenry, and Janet Thomas.
From international tournaments to professional leagues and collegiate diamonds, these women have each carved extraordinary paths in a male-dominated profession.
Kelly Elliott Dine has served her country, inspired students as an award-winning STEM educator, and broken barriers across baseball — becoming the first woman to umpire NCAA Division I baseball and the only female official in the Big Ten, MAC, and Horizon League. This year, she made history calling the plate for the WPBL’s first-ever game at Nationals Park and later officiated before 40,000 fans at PNC Park for the Savannah Bananas.
Greta Langhenry, a two-time honors graduate of the Wendelstedt Umpire School, was the first female umpire in both the Coastal Plain and Florida Collegiate Summer Leagues. As co-founder of Level Ump, she’s on a mission to elevate the profession and make umpiring more inclusive and diverse.
Sophiya Liu has represented her home country of Taiwan on the international stage, umpiring world championships and WBSC tournaments from Venezuela to Korea. A decorated official, she’s earned recognition from the IOC, UN Women, and the Taiwan Sports Elite Awards for her leadership in women’s sports and diplomacy.
Janet Thomas, who began umpiring after coaching her sons, has quickly risen through the ranks — earning honors at Wendelstedt, working college baseball, and officiating the 2024 High School State Finals. She’s also served in summer leagues like the NECBL, Sunbelt League, and even the Cape Cod League.
