Leading up to the 2025 season, we will be featuring testimonials from some of our newer umpires. This week it’s Kate Jennings, who started as a PHBA umpire in 2022.

What motivated you to volunteer as an umpire for PHBA?

“I started umpiring when my oldest daughter started playing in the Softball Pioneer division. I wanted to show my daughters that women can be umpires too! This season will be my 4th year umpiring, and I love it.”

What are the most rewarding moments while umpiring?

“My favorite part about being a PHBA umpire is the level of support and encouragement from the other umpires.”

What training and support did you receive, and how did it prepare you for the role?

“The leadership team is incredibly knowledgeable and welcoming. They have a super organized training program. I felt well-prepared to umpire after going through the training. In my first year I always worked with experienced umpires, so I never felt out of my depth. The PHBA umpires really emphasize that when you umpire, you are working with a teammate who is your co-umpire. You are never alone. It’s also easy to reach umpires in real-time via text, phone or Slack.”

Can you share a memorable story or experience from your time as an umpire?

“It’s really special when I drop my girls off at their elementary school, and kids come up to me and say, ‘You were the umpire in my game!'”

What would you say to someone who is on the fence about volunteering as an umpire?

“The minimum number of games to work is so low, so if you’re on the fence, just give it a try!”

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