Maggie Foxx: Making history in the Women’s Pro Baseball League

"I've been really trying to get to know everybody," said Foxx, who is practicing and playing alongside fellow athletes from the U.S., Japan, Curaçao, Mexico, Australia, Canada, South Korea and other countries. "We've made s'mores, which was a new food for many of the girls… I said to the owner of the league, 'We're going to make world peace out of women's baseball,' which is a joke of course, but I also mean it because everybody gets along, and at the end of the day, we all want each other to succeed."

At games, Foxx has been struck by the enthusiasm of the fans, many of whom have traveled from around the country to see the trailblazing league. When her team isn't playing, she makes her way through the stands to meet spectators, hear their stories, sign autographs and offer inspiration to young fans.

"Some fans even have little gifts for us, like the bracelet I'm wearing on my wrist that somebody made for me," Foxx said. "People are literally coming from everywhere and some fans hold signs that say things like, 'I've been waiting my whole lifetime for this.'… We have such a good opportunity to make something happen that's really special for young kids - and for people of all ages - that hasn't happened in over 70 years."

In addition to serving as a role model, Foxx looks up to the experienced athletes in the league.

"There are a decent number of girls who are in their mid-30s, including girls who have played at the professional level already," Foxx said. "They're teaching us how to be professionals, which is something I've been wishing for my whole life. It just feels amazing that I have these role models who are teaching me how to play the game I love at a higher level."

Growing up in Bedford, New Hampshire, Foxx played on youth baseball teams throughout her childhood, in addition to softball teams. Her father built a batting cage in their backyard, and together, they spent hours studying sports psychology and the science behind athletes' resilience.