East Texas A&M Student Lands Internship with the Texas Rangers

March 16, 2026 – Honors College student Ruby Blaylock is soaking up real-world experience with Major League Baseball through her internship with the Texas Rangers.

If you head to a Texas Rangers game this season, you might spot a familiar Lion behind the scenes. Ruby Blaylock of Mabank, Texas, an Honors College senior at East Texas A&M University, has earned a competitive internship with the Major League Baseball club and is representing ETAMU with pride and professionalism. A sport and recreation management major, Ruby is spending her spring semester learning the business side of professional sports inside one of the most recognizable organizations in the country.

A Passion Rooted in Purpose

For Ruby, the road to the Rangers began long before college. Sports have always shaped her life. As a child, her family helped organize a Little League team for children with disabilities so her twin brother could play baseball. Ruby volunteered alongside her family for years, helping create an environment centered on inclusion and fun. Today, her brother serves as a coach for the same team.

Ruby also played basketball and soccer throughout junior high and high school. At ETAMU, she volunteers with intramural sports and enjoys trying nearly every sport offered on campus. This spring, she’s also partnering with the City of Commerce to help launch a new Little League team—known as “The Angel League”—for children with disabilities in the local area.

“We’re registering kids right now, and hopefully we’ll start games after spring break,” Ruby said.

When she arrived at ETAMU, Ruby initially declared a major in business, but it didn’t take long for her to realize her future belonged in sports.

“After my first semester, I realized that a business major is good because it’s very broad, but because of my passion for sports, I knew I had to work in the sports industry to really end up loving my job,” Ruby said.

She soon found her home in the sport and recreation management program within the Department of Health and Human Performance.

Preparing for a Competitive Sports Management Internship

Last fall, when Ruby learned about the Rangers internship opportunity, she jumped at the chance to apply. But earning the position wasn’t luck; it took months of preparation.

“When one of our students earns a placement like this, it speaks to their preparation, discipline and ability to stand out in a competitive applicant pool. It’s never accidental,” said Dr. Brandy Runyan, assistant professor of Health and Human Performance (HHP).

Runyan explained that building professional identity is a central focus of the program, and students begin crafting LinkedIn profiles and resumes during their first year. In the years that follow, they refine those materials, practice interviewing and presentations, and learn to communicate professionally.

“These skills are non-negotiable,” Runyan said. “By the time they apply for internships, they’ve already practiced operating at a professional level for an extensive period.”

Working Behind the Scenes at Globe Life Field

Ruby’s first day with the Rangers was in early March. Her internship follows a hybrid schedule, allowing her to work both remotely and on-site at Globe Life Field. On in-person days, she makes the nearly 80-mile commute from Commerce to Arlington.

Her workday includes shadowing her supervisors, including partnerships manager Stephen Pitarra. She attends meetings and listens in on calls to learn how sponsorships are secured and maintained. She also contributes directly by sorting and analyzing sponsorship contracts and identifying opportunities for sales growth and enhanced partnerships.

Ruby said she’s excited for the start of the season later this month when she’ll be in the suites on game days, working with the activation team, the group responsible for fulfilling corporate sponsorship agreements. That work may include helping with promotions and giveaways during games and coordinating VIP hospitality.

So far, one of the biggest surprises of the role has been the sheer number of career paths available in professional sports.

“When I first told people I wanted to work in sports, they’d say, ‘Oh, that sounds so cool, but it’s just such a competitive area,’” Ruby said. “But I’ve learned just how many departments there are within professional sports. There’s actually quite a wide range of jobs I could do within a sports organization.”

Confidence in Action

A recurring theme in Ruby’s college experience has been growth in confidence. She credits class presentations, faculty mentorship and hands-on projects in the sport and recreation management program for helping her develop professionally.

“Giving presentations in class and talking with professors really helped build my confidence in myself and my skills,” she said.

Still, walking into a major league organization can be intimidating.

“Talking to these professionals in the office, you can feel imposter syndrome—like, ‘Wow, what am I doing here?’” she admitted.

But she credits the Rangers staff, including Paterra, for making her feel welcome and included as part of the team.

“They’ve been so great, and I just love getting to learn from them,” Ruby said.

She also leans on her support system at ETAMU, including assistant dean of the Honors College, Brittney Yager, and Dr. Runyan, who consistently remind her she belongs.

“Ruby truly exemplifies what it means to be an Honors student at East Texas A&M,” Yager said. “She has sought out and made the most of every opportunity available to her, from serving as a Lion Ambassador, to studying abroad in Finland and Norway, to founding the Angel League in Commerce, and now completing her second high-profile internship. I am continually impressed by her drive and range.”

Runyan said internships are transformational for those who participate. When students realize they can successfully operate inside a major organization, their confidence shifts and they begin to see themselves as professionals, not just students.

“I’ve gotten to see Ruby truly grow into massive confidence,” Runyan added. “She speaks boldly and believes in herself. She shows up prepared, communicates clearly, asks thoughtful questions and excels academically.”

Connecting Students to Industry Opportunities

The Ranger’s internship, and dozens more, are made available to students through the university’s Office of Student Career Preparedness, where director Arthur Lumzy and his staff are constantly working to build industry relationships that allow students to gain hands-on work experience.

Lumzy expressed appreciation to the Texas Rangers organization, including Stephen Pitarra, for their generosity in partnering with East Texas A&M to create internship opportunities for students.

“This internship is a great example of what can happen when industry and higher education intentionally collaborate,” Lumzy said. “We were excited to work with Stephen and the Texas Rangers organization to create an opportunity that allows East Texas A&M students to gain real-world experience inside a major league sports organization.”

Building a Career in Professional Sports

Ruby’s experience working with the Texas Rangers has solidified her goal to work on the business side of professional sports and given her the confidence to pursue big dreams—and she is deeply appreciative.

“East Texas A&M and the Texas Rangers have given me more opportunities than I could have imagined before coming to college, and I’m so very grateful,” she said.

This article originally appeared here.