About Ila

Ila Borders is a trailblazing figure in the world of sports and public service, renowned for her groundbreaking achievements as a professional baseball player, firefighter, and motivational speaker. Beginning her journey as a standout in Little League and High School, she made history by becoming the first woman to receive a scholarship to play men's collegiate baseball, where she not only excelled but also became the first female to win a men’s collegiate game and complete a shutout. Her senior year in college, she was 5-2 and also played in the Canadian wooden bat league. Her impressive career continued in men’s professional baseball, where she pitched over 100 innings, played 4 seasons was 2-4 with 2 no decisions and had an impressive 1.67 ERA during her time with the Blackwoves.  Borders' contributions to the sport have been immortalized in the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, reflecting her status as a pioneer for women in baseball. 

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Beyond her athletic accomplishments, Ila serves as a Training Captain for Clackamas Fire in Oregon, dedicating 20 years to firefighting and paramedicine. She founded the non-profit Fire Up Bootcamp to empower underprivileged individuals and women to pursue careers in the fire service. And as a keynote speaker, she inspires audiences worldwide, sharing her journey and the importance of resilience and determination in achieving one’s dreams.