The Boston Red Sox started their New Year by making history. Bianca Smith, 29, will join the Red Sox organization as the first black female coach in league history.

"I think it's a great opportunity to inspire other women that are interested in this game."

New #RedSox minor league coach, Bianca Smith, joined @MLBNetwork to talk about her role. pic.twitter.com/vxHf6GpAHA

— Red Sox (@RedSox) January 5, 2021

Smith is currently an assistant coach and hitting coordinator at Carroll University and spent four years at Case Western Reserve as the Director of Baseball Operations. Coaching in the pro’s is uncharted territory for Smith, but an insurmountable opportunity to showcase her passion for baseball.

“I’m still wrapping my head around it,” Smith said in an MLB Network interview. “I probably won’t have it sink in until I’m actually there.”

I am so incredibly grateful for all of the support I’ve been getting! Of course none of this would be possible without the help of my family, friends, and the trailblazers who came before me. I can’t wait to get started. Thank you so much and go Red Sox!! https://t.co/17W4Ah92tl

— Bianca Smith ⚾️ (@biancaesmith12) January 5, 2021

The Red Sox intend for Smith to work in the team’s player development facility in Fort Myers, Florida. There she will work with position players and serve as a minor league coach.

Red Sox vice president of player development Ben Crockett told the Boston Globe that Smith has been passionate about growing her skill set and the development of players and herself.

Smith is another step in the growth of women getting hired in professional sports. The Marlins hired Kim Ng in November, the first female General Manager in MLB history.

Photo via Red Sox Twitter