Rachel Boner joins Red Sox Minor League staff for the 2025 season after International Program internship
For Rachel Boner, a small-town native from Burtonport, Co. Donegal in northwest Ireland, the dream of working in professional sports always seemed like a distant goal. With a deep passion for healthcare, sports, and injury rehabilitation, she found her calling in athletic training. Now, after an incredible journey that began with the PBATS International Internship Program, Boner is set to begin her career as an Assistant Athletic Trainer with the Boston Red Sox organization.
Her story is one of perseverance, adaptability, and seizing opportunities—proving that with hard work and determination, even the most unconventional paths can lead to success.
Finding a Passion for Athletic Training
Boner’s love for sports and biology laid the foundation for her career path. While she initially considered physiotherapy, she ultimately discovered athletic therapy and pursued her degree at Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) Midlands in Ireland.
“I really enjoyed biology and knew I wanted to work in healthcare,” Boner explained. “I was also into running and track and field, always trying to find ways to improve. If I had aches or pains, I wanted to figure out why and how to fix them. That mindset led me to athletic training because I wanted to help others return to what they love after injuries.”
However, the field of athletic training in Ireland is still growing and not widely recognized, making it challenging to find professional opportunities in high-level sports. That’s when Boner looked beyond her home country and discovered a unique opportunity in baseball.
An Unexpected Introduction to Baseball
Baseball is far from a dominant sport in Ireland, and Boner admits she knew very little about it before applying for the PBATS International Internship Program.
“I wasn’t familiar with baseball at all,” she said. “I knew there was pitching and batting, but not much else. It wasn’t until I got here that I fully understood the physical demands of the sport and the injuries that come with it.”
Her introduction to baseball came through her final-year college work placement, where she was among the first students from her program selected for the PBATS internship. Knowing that most of her previous experience involved lower limb injuries from Gaelic football, she was eager to expand her knowledge by working with an upper limb-dominant sport.
“I wanted to improve my understanding of upper limb injuries and experience what it was like to work in professional sports, which isn’t a big opportunity at home. The PBATS internship seemed like the perfect chance to do that.”
A Life-Changing Internship with the Seattle Mariners
Boner spent her internship in Peoria, Arizona, with the Seattle Mariners organization, diving into an entirely new athletic environment.
“Starting in mid-June, I joined the training room during a busy part of the season, and the long days flew by,” she recalled. “The biggest takeaway was seeing the level of care provided to players—not just for the next game, but for their long-term health and careers.”
Boner worked alongside experienced mentors who helped shape her approach to athletic training, including Michael Feliciano, Randy Roetter, and John Walker’s physical therapy team.
“They really took the time to teach me everything, from arm care protocols to injury assessment and rehab. I had never even heard of arm care protocols before this, but now I truly understand their importance. It was an incredible learning experience.”
One of the biggest challenges Boner faced was the language barrier. Many players spoke Spanish, and as someone who values building trust with athletes, she worked hard to bridge that gap.
“Luckily, another intern taught me a few Spanish phrases every day, so I could talk to the players in their own language,” she said. “Once they saw I was making an effort, they were more comfortable coming to me for help with exercises and treatments.”
The internship not only expanded her technical knowledge but also prepared her for a full-time role in professional baseball, giving her insight into the expectations and demands of the industry.
Landing a Full-Time Role with the Boston Red Sox
Following her internship, Boner’s career aspirations in professional baseball became clear. Although she initially wasn’t eligible for a full-time role due to her studies, she set a goal to return the following year.
“I stayed in touch with Michael Feliciano and Rick Griffin, who were both incredibly supportive throughout the process,” she said. “Once I finished my degree and became certified, I worked to complete my BOC exam through the international agreement. By October, I was ready to apply.”
Her persistence paid off when she landed a role as an Assistant Athletic Trainer with the Boston Red Sox organization, a moment that filled her with excitement.
“When I got the offer, I was over the moon. I think nearly everyone back home has heard all about it since,” she joked.
In the coming weeks, Boner will head to Fort Myers, Florida, for Spring Training, where she’ll officially begin her new position.
Looking Ahead: Goals and Aspirations
As she embarks on her first full year as a professional athletic trainer, Boner is eager to expand her knowledge of baseball-specific injuries and learn from the Red Sox sports medicine team.
“I love pushing myself outside my comfort zone,” she said. “I’ve learned to get creative with rehab at home due to limited resources, so I’m excited to see how much I can do with more access to testing and different modalities.”
Her goal is to make a meaningful impact within the organization while continuing to grow in her profession.
“With my background in athletics and experience across different sports, I hope I can bring something valuable to the team. This is just the beginning, and I can’t wait to see where this journey takes me.”
A Message to Future PBATS Interns
For other international students looking to follow a similar path, Boner encourages them to seize every opportunity and immerse themselves in the learning process.
“My advice would be to study up on baseball beforehand, especially common injuries and the demands of the sport,” she said. “And don’t be afraid to ask questions—everyone is happy to help. The more you put yourself out there, the more you’ll learn.”
Rachel Boner’s journey from a small town in Ireland to a full-time role in Major League Baseball is a testament to hard work, dedication, and the power of stepping outside one’s comfort zone. As she takes on this new challenge with the Boston Red Sox, there’s no doubt that her future in athletic training is bright.