KINGSTON, Jamaica—Sports Minister Olivia Grange has extended condolences to the family, friends, and the wider sporting fraternity following the passing of Dorothy Hobson.

Grange, in a media release on Saturday, said Hobson was a trailblazer in women’s cricket.

“She distinguished herself as a player, captain, coach, selector, and administrator, making an enduring contribution to the sport locally, regionally, and internationally. She was a member of the first ever West Indies women’s cricket team and played in the 1973 Women’s Cricket World Cup,” said Grange.

The Minister noted that in 2013, Hobson became the first-ever woman coach of the Melbourne Cricket Club’s Camp, which was considered a significant step in a traditionally male-dominated setup. Grange said this added to her credentials as a pioneering figure for the club, breaking ground for both women coaches and campers.

“Miss Hobson’s impact was also felt through her contribution to the development of other sports, including netball, where she supported community and developmental initiatives that strengthened participation and leadership among women and girls,” Grange stated.

“Her life’s work helped to shape generations of women athletes and administrators and laid critical foundations for the growth of women’s sport in Jamaica and the wider Caribbean,” she continued.

Hobson was also the coach of the West Indies women’s team at the 1993 Women’s Cricket World Cup, and later chief selector of the West Indies women’s team.

She also played a pivotal role in the relaunch of the Jamaica Women’s Cricket League in 2015, revitalising a competition that had been dormant for several years.