On a sunny spring afternoon in Santa Monica, the New Roads School baseball team welcomed the Shalhevet High School Firehawks for a game that would be remembered not just for the score but for its celebration of inclusion.
At the heart of the game was Jake Hofheimer, a junior and one of the first transgender players on a high school baseball team.
Jake, born female but identifying as male, stepped up to the plate in the bottom of the fifth inning, greeted by cheers from teammates and opposing players alike.
Though he struck out that turn, his efforts drew high-fives and encouragements, reinforcing a sense of belonging that Jake had long sought.
“It’s just one of the guys,” Jake said, smiling as he reflected on his place on the New Roads team.
“When my teammates cheer, it hits me that this is where I belong.”
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Jake’s journey has not been easy. He came out to his parents as transgender at the end of eighth grade.
After facing bullying at his all-girls’ school, he transferred to New Roads, which he described as a haven.
The school’s inclusive policies, gender-neutral restrooms, and supportive faculty allowed Jake to fully embrace his identity, both in the classroom and on the field.
New Roads’ environment of acceptance extended beyond its own campus. Shalhevet baseball captain Micah Gill, moved by Jake’s story, reached out before the game to encourage his team to treat Jake as they would any other player.
“I thought that writing a quick e-mail was the least we could do,” Micah said.
“What he’s doing is so important for the LGBT community and the broader community.”
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On game day, the Firehawks’ outreach created a warm and respectful atmosphere.
Jake’s mother, Lisa Hofheimer, observed from the stands, grateful for the support not only from New Roads but also from the Jewish community that had helped her son navigate his transition.
“If we can create spaces for open dialogue and understanding, it allows kids to learn, grow, and find reconciliation,” she said.
Jake thrives on the field, where baseball allows him to simply be an athlete, free from labels or judgment.
His teammates adapt to his learning curve, cheering him on at the plate and supporting him in the field.
“We all know Jake is learning, but at our school, anybody can be anybody,” said teammate Brandon Deutsch.
New Roads Athletic Director Matt Steinhaus emphasized that Jake’s presence reflects the school’s broader values.
“Our school environment is one of diversity and acceptance,” he said. “To us, he’s just Jake.”
The game ended with the Jaguars defeating the Firehawks 7-2, but the score mattered little compared to the display of empathy, respect, and inclusion.
For Shalhevet and New Roads alike, the experience was a reminder of the transformative power of sports when coupled with understanding and leadership.
As Jake walked off the field, the cheers still ringing in his ears, he felt a simple truth: he had found a team that didn’t just play the game—they lived inclusion.
