Alyssa Nakken Became MLB's First Female Coach — What to Know about Her

American pro baseball coach, Alyssa Nakken made history in July 2020, becoming the first female coach in a major league game.

Although sports' competitive world is deemed a man's field, Alyssa Nakken broke the centuries-long trend, writing her name amongst legends. The icon's appointment as a base coach for The Giants baseball team made her the first woman to achieve the feat.

Aged 30, Alyssa Nakken has proven herself in Major League Baseball and in the world at large. Her journey from a high school softball player to a celebrated coach who led her team to victory did not come without struggles.

American pro baseball coach, Alyssa Nakken who made history in July 2020 | Photo: twitter.com/sn_mlb

MEET ALYSSA NAKKEN

Nakken was born on June 13, 1990, in Woodland, California, and developed a knack for sports in her teens. As a highschooler in Woodland High School, she participated in ball games such as softball, basketball, and volleyball.

Following her high school graduation, the legend gained admission into the California State University, Sacramento. During her college years, Nakken played softball as a first baseman for the school's team, Sacramento State Hornets.

The MLB coach had impressive softball records, with a .304 batting average. A three-time all-conference selection, Nakken was named to the All-Pacific Coast Softball Conference all through her four years as a college undergrad. Adding to her feats, the iconic softball player won the award of conference Scholar-Athlete of the Year in 2012.

ALYSSA NAKKEN'S DRAMATIC RISE TO SPORTS SUCCESS

Shortly after graduating from CSU with a degree in psychology, Alyssa Nakken enrolled as an intern with the San Francisco Giants baseball operations. She served in the team's health and wellness initiatives through 2014.

By 2015, the CSU alumni bagged a master's degree in sports management from the University of San Francisco. While pursuing her master's program, Nakken worked as the chief information officer for the USF baseball team.

Five years after completing her post-graduate studies, the 30-year-old secured a new position with the MLB SF Giants as an assistant coach. Her appointment as an assistant coach with the major league coaching staff came in January 2020.

The promotion marked the first time a female ascended to the full-time coach's position in the history of Major League Baseball.

SETTING THE TREND

As an assistant coach, Nakken was required to wear the team's uniform during the games, throw batting practice, and hit fungoes. She was, however, required to stay out of the field.

Seven other coaching staff members had the mandate of taking on-field responsibilities like the dugout, as was the permitted maximum for each game.

The restriction changed in July after the new manager of the MLG Giants, Gabe Kapler, gave the softball standout a shot at coaching first base. During The Giant's exhibition game against the Oakland A's at the Coliseum, Nakken stepped up in the final innings, seeing her team through a 6-2 victory.

The game held on July 20, 2020, was another record-breaker for the 30-year-old, who thus became the first woman in history to coach on a field in a major league baseball game. Alyssa Nakken remains an assistant coach for the San Francisco Giants baseball team to date.

THE SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS

The San Francisco Giant sprung up in 1883, joining the National Baseball league as the New York Gothams. Following their league debut, The Gothams proved themselves a force to contend with, defeating major standing teams in the league, including Boston's Beaneaters.

Two years after joining the league, the New York Gothams assumed a new team name as The Giants. Reportedly, the idea of the name change came after manager Jim Mutrie lauded the team for a commendable victory, referring to them as his giants.

The SF Giant, a member of the club of national league West division, made their official move from New York to San Francisco in 1958.

Since then, they have maintained a reputation as one of the longest-standing successful baseball teams, winning six National League Pennants and three World Series championships.

Under team manager Gabe Kapler, the team has remained a trailblazer, setting several on their path to success many decades later.

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