Meet Sara Falkson: Girlfriend of Yankees’ Ben Rice, ex-hockey captain, IBM engineer

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As Ben Rice solidifies his position in the New York Yankees’ lineup as one of 2025’s breakthrough talents, the 25-year-old catcher and first baseman garners attention not only for his on-field prowess but also for his relationship with longtime girlfriend Sara Falkson — a partnership built on shared athletic backgrounds, Ivy League education, and parallel professional ambitions.

A high school bond forged in Dedham

The Rice-Falkson connection traces back to Noble & Greenough School in Dedham, Massachusetts, where both excelled as student-athletes. Their mutual passion for competitive sports evolved into a relationship that has withstood the challenges of college years and professional transitions. Rice developed into a standout baseball player at Dartmouth College, while Falkson led Dartmouth’s field hockey program as team captain in 2020.

Their relationship deepened when both attended Dartmouth, nurturing their connection while pursuing athletic excellence in their respective sports. Social media has occasionally offered glimpses into their journey, with Rice noting in a 2019 Instagram post: “6 months with @sfalkson celebrated by watching a sport I don’t understand. Go Big Green though!” — marking one of the Yankees star’s earliest public acknowledgments of their relationship.

Sara Falkson: Scholar, athlete, and engineer

While Rice makes headlines in professional baseball, Falkson is establishing her own reputation in design engineering. Following her undergraduate degree at Dartmouth, she enrolled at Harvard University to pursue a Master’s in Design Engineering — an interdisciplinary program combining innovation, technology, and human-centered product development.

Concurrently, Falkson joined IBM in January 2021 as a Design Engineer, earning multiple UX certifications throughout her tenure, demonstrating her commitment to excellence in design and user experience. According to her professional profile, she’s on track to complete her Harvard degree by June 2025.

Despite demanding academic and professional commitments, Falkson maintains her athletic identity. In November 2024, she participated in the New York City Marathon representing Who We Play For, raising over $30,000 to fund cardiac screenings for young athletes — a cause reflecting her background as a former collegiate competitor.

Supporting each other’s dreams

When Rice made his major league debut in June 2024, stepping in for veteran first baseman Anthony Rizzo, his emergence coincided with Falkson’s visible support from the stands and across social platforms. During his debut month, Rice posted an impressive .375 on-base percentage, quickly demonstrating his potential as a key contributor to the Yankees’ evolving lineup.

Falkson attended numerous early games in Rice’s career, documenting significant milestones through social media. Following a particularly notable performance, she commented on a shared photo: “Could not be happier for @ben_rice22 !!!! 💙 You are amazing 🤩.”

Their mutual celebration of each other’s achievements — whether at Yankee Stadium or in the innovation spaces of IBM and Harvard — presents a contemporary example of partnership defined by shared excellence and unwavering support.

Yankees’ youth movement and Rice cooking

Amid injuries and inconsistency for the 2025 Yankees, Rice has emerged as one of the season’s most promising developments. Recognized for his disciplined approach at the plate and quiet clubhouse leadership, he shows early indications of becoming a cornerstone player.

His balanced offensive approach complements Yankees veterans Aaron Judge and Cody Bellinger, while his compelling journey from Dartmouth to the Bronx resonates strongly with fans.

The Yankees’ investment in young talent, including Rice, Jasson Domínguez, and Anthony Volpe, indicates a gradual shift toward a younger core. Within this transition, Rice’s consistency both on and off the field presents a compelling narrative of character-driven development.

What the future holds

As of May 2025, the couple continues to attract attention not merely for their professional accomplishments but for their partnership as a modern, ambitious duo navigating elite environments. With Falkson approaching completion of her graduate studies and Rice cementing his role in the Bronx, they exemplify a new generation of power couples defined by intellect, athletic excellence, and resilience.

Though their story began at a Massachusetts prep school, it has evolved into a bicoastal journey spanning different professional worlds. What comes next — whether a Yankees postseason run or Falkson’s next innovation breakthrough — remains unwritten. For now, it’s evident that Ben Rice and Sara Falkson are demonstrating that professional success and personal balance can coexist harmoniously.

For Yankee supporters seeking additional reasons to cheer Rice’s continued development, the authentic relationship supporting the rising star provides exactly that.

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