Abington student hits career home runs with athletics, internships

ABINGTON, Pa. — With spring training for Major League Baseball teams underway, Penn State Abington student-athlete Rylee Albany is reflecting on the game that’s shaped her life. Her great-grandfather played for the Philadelphia Phillies, and nearly a century later, Albany continued that legacy, spending two seasons with the club as game-day staff and ballgirl, experiences that helped define her career goals.

“Working for the Phillies showed me firsthand the impact sports and professional athletes can have on their communities,” the third-year student said.

Now, as she competes for Abington’s NCAA Division III softball team while majoring in corporate communication, Albany is building a career path that blends professional sports with community impact. It’s guided by the Abington Experience, a campus-to-career roadmap centered on internships, leadership development and real-world learning.

Although “incredibly grateful” for her time with the Phillies, Albany is taking a two-pronged approach to expanding her skills in 2026. She will join the Wilmington Blue Rocks, the High-A affiliate of the Washington Nationals, gaining behind-the-scenes experience in the press box and control room. There, she’ll assist with music, scoreboard operations and cameras, “helping create that baseball magic,” she said.

At the same time, she will continue her community-focused work as a spring and fall intern with the Miracle League of Delaware County, which provides opportunities for children and adults with disabilities to play baseball.

This spring, Albany will manage the nonprofit’s high school interns while assisting with volunteers, fundraising, event coordination and marketing. In the fall, she’ll transition to game-day operations.

“Witnessing and helping create those interactions for the Phillies has given me a deep appreciation for the role organizations play in their communities,” she said. “I’m excited to continue creating and elevating these experiences for athletes everywhere.”

Passion meets Abington Experience

Albany's Division III athletics experience, paired with real-world preparation inside and outside the classroom, demonstrates the opportunity-driven education students find at Abington.

“As a DIII student-athlete, I can continue playing the sport I love while keeping a strong focus on academics and preparing for my career,” Albany said. “The balance between athletics, school and other opportunities has helped me grow both on and off the field.”

Her connection to Penn State runs deep since her "dream school” was also her mom’s alma mater, but she wasn’t familiar with Abington until softball coach Caytlin Lihotz recruited her.

“The second I stepped on campus, I knew Abington would be my new home,” Albany said. “Being close to home, right outside of Philadelphia, and the Penn State degree made it the perfect match.”

She credited small class sizes, accessible professors and strong support from athletics staff for helping her manage and enjoy a demanding schedule while refining her career direction. During the softball off-season, she has worked at home games to learn collegiate game-day operations, another step in aligning academics with hands-on experience.

“Support from Abington athletics is unmatched, especially my coach,” she said. “Without her, I wouldn’t have pushed myself out of my comfort zone to apply to become a Phillies ballgirl.”

On the field, Albany and her teammates are preparing for a spring break tournament in South Carolina, eager to see their preseason work pay off.

“I can’t wait to take the field in Myrtle Beach and see it all come together,” she said.

Albany’s long-term goal is to work in professional sports with a strong community mission, ideally with the Eagles Autism Foundation. But for now, she’s focused on building her experience and embracing opportunity.

“Never give up on that dream, and no opportunity is too small. It might just lead to something bigger down the line,” she said.

As baseball season returns, Albany said she is ready for her next chapter combining her love of the game with the leadership, internships and academic preparation she found at Abington.

About Penn State Abington

Penn State Abington, home to nearly 3,000 students and just minutes from Philadelphia, offers 26 four-year majors and 14 NCAA Division III athletics teams. The Abington Experience launches students from campus to career through internships, leadership development, short-term academic travel and faculty-led research. Penn State Abington — where the city’s energy meets the best of the suburbs.