PBATS Announces 2025 Athletic Training Student Symposium (VIRTUAL)
The Professional Baseball Athletic Trainers Society (PBATS) is proud to announce the return of its annual Athletic Training Student Symposium, set for Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. EST. This year’s event will once again be held virtually via Zoom, providing free access to students across the country who aspire to pursue careers in athletic training and sports medicine.
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For years, the PBATS Student Symposium has served as a cornerstone program in the Society’s mission to educate, inspire, and connect the next generation of athletic trainers. With a diverse lineup of MLB professionals, keynote speakers, and interactive breakout sessions, the symposium offers students a unique look into the world of professional baseball athletic training.
Keynote Speakers and Featured Guests
The 2025 Symposium boasts an impressive slate of featured speakers. Among them are:
- Nick Kenney (Kansas City Royals) – PBATS President and Director of Medical Administration for the Royals, who will open the evening with a welcome message.
- Ron Porterfield (Los Angeles Dodgers) – Longtime MLB athletic trainer and former PBATS President will deliver the event’s keynote presentation.
- Dave Yeager (Milwaukee Brewers) – Veteran athletic trainer will serve as the event host and guide students through the agenda.
These trailblazers in athletic training will share their experiences working at the highest levels of professional baseball, offering students invaluable insight into the demands, rewards, and evolving landscape of sports medicine in Major League Baseball.
A Full Evening of Learning and Networking
The symposium kicks off at 6:00 p.m. EST with opening remarks from Dave Yeager and Nick Kenney, followed by a presentation on the PBATS Internship Program and student testimonials. Current and former interns will share their stories, highlighting the real-world experience, mentorship, and career development opportunities available through PBATS.
At 7:15 p.m. EST, students will break into small group sessions with MLB athletic trainers from across the league. This interactive segment is designed to foster candid conversations about the profession, provide practical advice, and give students the chance to ask questions directly to athletic trainers working in the majors. Athletic trainers from the Royals, Twins, Guardians, Mariners, Rangers, Diamondbacks, Cubs, Brewers, Orioles, and Astros will be among those leading groups.
Following the breakout sessions, Ron Porterfield’s keynote address will anchor the evening, providing both inspiration and practical lessons from a career spanning decades in MLB.
The agenda also includes a spotlight on the Dominican Republic experience with Nevan Dominguez at 8:35 p.m., followed by a testimonial from Dominican student associate Will Taylor at 9:05 p.m. To close out the educational program, Chris McDonald will lead a session on modalities at 9:20 p.m., before Dave Yeager offers final remarks at 9:50 p.m.
Inspiring the Next Generation
PBATS is committed to supporting students and young professionals who represent the future of athletic training. The annual Student Symposium provides an unmatched opportunity for students to engage with leaders in the field, learn about internship pathways, and gain an authentic understanding of what it takes to succeed in baseball athletic training.
With free registration and a program packed with educational content, the 2025 PBATS Athletic Training Student Symposium promises to be one of the most valuable events of the year for aspiring athletic trainers.
Save the Date: November 12, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. EST. REGISTRATION OPEN NOW.