PBATS Announces 2026 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 11, 2026, 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 2026 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.
- Steve Donohue (New York Yankees) – Longtime MLB athletic trainer who will deliver the keynote presentation on the history of PBATS.
- Joe Benge (Tampa Bay Rays) – Veteran athletic trainer will discuss the details of the return-t0-play process at the highest level of Major League Baseball.
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 a welcome message from PBATS President Nick Kenney. From there, Yeager will walk students through the PBATS Internship Program, followed by testimonials from current interns Casey Gerber (Milwaukee Brewers) and Kyla Nickerson (Cleveland Guardians), who will share their firsthand experiences and what the internship has meant for their development.
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 working professionals. Athletic trainers representing the Royals, Twins, Guardians, Cubs, Brewers, Phillies, Angels, Athletics, Rays, Tigers, Mariners, and Rangers will be among those leading groups.
Steve Donohue’s keynote presentation will anchor the middle of the evening, taking students through the history of PBATS and the legacy of the professionals who have shaped the profession from the ground up.
A second round of small group breakout sessions will follow at 8:15 p.m. EST, giving students another opportunity for direct interaction with PBATS members before the evening’s final segment.
The symposium closes with a panel discussion on the Return-to-Play Process featuring Joe Benge, Ben Fraser, and Victor Scarpone, three professionals who will bring real-world perspective to one of the most important and nuanced topics in sports medicine. Dave Yeager will offer closing remarks at 9:15 p.m. EST.
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 2026 PBATS Athletic Training Student Symposium is one of the most valuable events of the year for aspiring athletic trainers.
Save the Date: November 11, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. EST. Registration is open now.