Holly Springs Salamanders catcher Alexia Jorge is making history as the first woman in the Coastal Plain League.
Alexia Jorge, who just finished her senior season playing baseball at Saint Elizabeth's University, was named player of the game Saturday night in the Salamanders' 11-to-1 win over the Carolina Pirates. In that match, she became the first female baseball player to start in a CPL game.
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Holly Springs Salamanders Head Coach Brian Rountree said he expects Jorge to start at catcher on Monday against the Catawba Valley Stars.
Before playing at Saint Elizabeth's University, Jorge, from Lyndhurst, New Jersey, was the youngest player on the gold medal-winning U.S. Baseball Women’s National Team.
In 2022, Jorge became the second female catcher in a college baseball game, and in 2024, she became the second woman to start behind the dish in a collegiate game.
'Any girl can do anything'
Jorge's first hit with the Salamanders -- the first hit by a female player in the CPL -- was captured on video during Saturday night's game. On the field, Jorge was asked how it feels to be the CPL's first female baseball player.
"[It's] being able to come out here and show that the work I put in all paid off ... and to be able to show the girls on the stands that they, too, can play baseball one day if they really want to," Jorge said. "Any girl can do anything ... and don't let anybody tell you that you can't do something just because you're a female."
FIRST hit by a female player in @CPLBaseball history!!#MandersNation#HERstorypic.twitter.com/zAwerKu5LM
— Holly Springs Salamanders (@HSSalamanders)
May 25, 2025Saturday night, Jorge was seen signing baseballs and photos for her youngest fans.
"Today was history for the Salamanders and myself," Jorge said.
Although she said she felt welcome and supported by her teammates, Jorge described that being the league's first female player can come with some awkwardness.
"The first day was a little shaky, people didn't know what to think, and you get all those weird questions," Jorge said. "People don't know what to say to you or how to react ... [but] I think tonight was a big night for me and the guys to bond and to be able to show them that I can do this too."
Jorge told WRAL News she moved to the Holly Springs area only three days before her first Salamanders game.
"It's beautiful out here ... I love North Carolina," she said. "I love the vibes, I love the team," she said, describing the game as exciting and high-energy. "Performing in front of 1,500 or so fans was pretty cool."
Jorge said she feels a sense of pride being able to pave the wave for other girls to make moves in sports.
Ting Stadium was full of young girls cheering on Jorge on Saturday and Sunday night.
Jorge's presence on the diamond has already left an imprint on kids.
“I think it's cool that she can do anything that boys can do,” one young girl said. “Anything that boys can do girls can do better.”
Salamanders coach Brian Rountree said Jorge would play and likely start in Monday's game against the Catawba Valley Stars.
'Because they told me no'
When WRAL News asked Jorge how she made it to this point, she answered, "Because they told me no."
Jorge said she grew up playing tee-ball with her brother. As she got older, Jorge said she didn't get the recognition she expected in sports.
"Each step of the way, they told me that I can't do it, that I was never good enough, that I'll never beat a guy out for a spot," Jorge said. "Everything you can think of, they've said it to me, and I just took that personally."
Jorge said she turned that negativity into motivation.
"It put me in a pretty good position," Jorge said. "Your haters can be your biggest advocates."
Jorge's mother, Tracy, who was in the stands Saturday night, said her daughter dreams of becoming a professional baseball player.
"This is her dream," Tracy Jorge said. "From a very young age as a little girl she promised herself that she was going to play baseball for the rest of her life. She's working for it."
Jorge's family doesn't live locally, but her mom said she aims to be at every single game.
"I will be at every possible game that I can get to, whether I drive [or] fly, whatever I've got to do to watch my daughter play, I will be there," Tracy Jorge said.
Earlier in May, when the Salamanders announced Jorge would join the team, the CPL called itself an "innovative league that is not afraid to expand the game and tear down barriers."
“Alexia joining the Salamanders marks an exciting moment for the Coastal Plain League,” Chip Allen, CPL commissioner, said. "It reflects the continued growth and evolution of our game, and we’re proud to support opportunities like this across our league as we work to grow the game of baseball.”
“We’re thrilled to add Alexia to our team as she will make CPL history," said Michael Villafana, general manager of the Holly Springs Salamanders. “We can’t wait to see how she makes her impact on the Salamanders this season.”
Holly Springs Salamanders tickets
The Holly Springs Salamanders play at Ting Stadium. Tickets for games start around $10. In June, several themed nights are planned, including Princess & Pirates (June 1), Bark in the Park (June 5), Hawaiian Night (June 6) and Star Wars Night (June 7). View the promotions schedule online.
The Holly Springs Salamanders are owned by Capitol Broadcasting Company.