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Natola D. Hawthorne has never been afraid to step into places where she wasn't expected. Whether on the baseball field, in the classroom, or as a mentor to the next generation of officials, she has learned that purpose often begins where comfort ends. In 2023, Natola made history as the first woman of color to officiate Division I baseball. While that milestone opened doors, it represents only one chapter of a journey built on faith, perseverance, preparation, and the courage to keep saying yes when opportunities seemed impossible. Her career has taken her from local parks to some of baseball's most historic venues, including opportunities connected to Rickwood Field and Truist Park. Each experience has strengthened her belief that representation matters and that every barrier broken creates new possibilities for those who follow. As the founder of She Calls It All, Natola is committed to developing, mentoring, and encouraging women in officiating. Through education, leadership, and community, she is helping women and the underrepresented step into spaces where they have traditionally been scarce. Beyond the field, Natola is an educator, speaker, mentor, and lifelong learner who believes officiating is about much more than making the right call. It is about character, integrity, preparation, and the confidence to stand firm when the pressure is greatest. Full Count is more than the story of baseball. It is the story of answering a calling, trusting God's direction, and discovering that the greatest victories often happen long before anyone notices the scoreboard.Natola hopes her story reminds every reader that purpose rarely arrives with certainty, but it always rewards those willing to take the next step.To learn more about Natola's work, invite her to speak, or connect with She Calls It All, visit www.SheCallsItAll.org or scan the QR code on the following page.
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