KINGSTON, Jamaica—The Jamaican sporting community mourns the loss of Dorothy Hobson, a transformative figure in women’s athletics whose multidimensional career spanned over four decades. Sports Minister Olivia Grange issued an official statement extending profound condolences to Hobson’s family, friends, and the extensive network of athletes she influenced nationwide.
Hobson’s legacy is marked by groundbreaking achievements across multiple roles in cricket. She earned historic distinction as an inaugural member of the first West Indies women’s cricket team, competing in the landmark 1973 Women’s Cricket World Cup. Her career evolved from elite athlete to captain, coach, selector, and administrator, creating an enduring impact on sports development throughout the Caribbean and internationally.
In 2013, Hobson shattered gender barriers by becoming the first female coach at Melbourne Cricket Club’s Camp—a significant milestone in a traditionally male-dominated institution. This appointment established her as a pioneering force for women in coaching and sports leadership.
Beyond cricket, Hobson contributed substantially to netball and community sports initiatives, designing programs that enhanced female participation and leadership development. She later served as coach of the West Indies women’s team during the 1993 World Cup and ascended to chief selector, influencing regional talent development strategies.
Her enduring legacy includes the critical revitalization of the Jamaica Women’s Cricket League in 2015, where she spearheaded efforts to resurrect the competition after years of inactivity. Minister Grange emphasized that Hobson’s lifelong dedication fundamentally shaped generations of women athletes and administrators, establishing foundational systems that continue to support women’s sports advancement across the Caribbean.