Springfield: In a groundbreaking achievement for both Taiwanese and women's sports, Sophiyah Liu has become the first Taiwanese umpire to officiate in a professional baseball league in the United States. Liu recently worked five games in the inaugural season of the Women's Professional Baseball League (WPBL), a significant milestone highlighting the growing opportunities for women in sports. According to Focus Taiwan, Liu's journey to the WPBL was not just a personal achievement but also a historic moment for Taiwanese sports. Liu, who previously served as a spiritual medium and inspired HBO's "The Teenage Psychic," has carved a niche in the baseball world. Her certification from Taiwan's Chinese Taipei Baseball Association and training at U.S. umpire institutions caught the attention of WPBL, leading to her role in the league's first official season in 2026. The WPBL, which launched on August 2, 2026, aims to revive women's professional baseball with a sustainable model. The league operates with a salary c ap of $95,000 per team and hosts all games in Springfield, Illinois, to minimize costs. Liu's involvement in the league's tryout games in 2025 paved the way for her two-week contract in the inaugural season, where she impressed league officials with her skills and professionalism. WPBL commissioner Justine Siegal praised Liu as "really one of the best umpires" in the league and recognized her contribution to the league's history. Siegal expressed hope that Liu would return for future seasons, acknowledging the impact of her participation in the league's early days. Liu faced various challenges in her role, including adapting to the use of a pitch timer and handling more frequent disputes from managers and players. The absence of replay review systems and automated ball-strike technology in the WPBL places additional emphasis on umpire decisions, intensifying the pressure on officials like Liu. Despite language barriers, Liu's proficiency in English and her experience as a professional translator helped her navigate tense situations on the field. Her ability to defuse conflicts with humor and calm demeanor often helped maintain order during games. Liu's participation in the WPBL resonates beyond the field, embodying the league's motto, "If she can see it, she can be it." Her presence in a male-dominated sport serves as an inspiration for young girls in Taiwan and elsewhere to pursue careers in sports, whether as athletes, managers, or officials. The WPBL's inclusive approach extends to organizing events for young girls, and commissioner Siegal expressed interest in holding a tryout in Taiwan to further promote women's baseball. Liu's pioneering efforts continue to inspire and pave the way for future generations of women in sports.