Women's Basketball "Where Are They Now?"- Mitzi Short '83
9/14/2017 6:55:00 AM | Women's Basketball, DAF
Gavin McFarlin - Associate SID
DavidsonPhotos.com
The Davidson Athletic Fund and the women's basketball program are catching up with some of the program's former Wildcat players in a question and answer feature to find out "Where are they now?". This Q&A features former guard Mitzi Short, who played from 1979-1983.
Why Davidson? Tell us about what led you to choose Davidson.
I was very interested in attending a school that was great academically and a place where I could play basketball. I also wanted a small to medium size college or university so people would know each other vs. having 100+ students in every class. Given my interest in Pre-Med and business, Davidson appeared to be a nice fit. Once I visited the campus (tour, classes, met with professors, met the basketball coaches), I knew Davidson was the place for me.
While at Davidson, what were some of your highlights and growth in and out of basketball?
On the court, some highlights: being the point guard as Sarah Womack was setting many school records; the opportunity to play and beat Notre Dame—we played them, but did not win.
Off the court, we learned a lot from each other and had great fun as a team (classes, eating houses, road trips, etc.).
What was your academic focus and process at Davidson and how did that shape your life and work post College?
I decided to pursue a career in business and majored in Economics. I viewed Davidson as a springboard/vehicle to help prepare me for future experiences and endeavors. I used my time at Davidson to learn as much as I could, in and out of the classroom. I've always appreciated the opportunity to interact and engage with the Davidson family (students, faculty, staff, alumni)--such a smart, service-oriented community, with similar values.
Connect the dots from what you did after graduating to where you are now.
Career #1: four years at Procter & Gamble: in various sales roles including--Sales Rep (Raleigh/Durham); District Field Rep (Atlanta); Unit Sales Manager (TN/KY)
Retired after 25 years with PepsiCo, last 3 roles: VP/GM PepsiCo Customer Team (Chicago), VP Multicultural Marketing (NY, reporting to Pepsi CEO), VP Sales – West Region
Career #2: Founded and currently leading New Season Coaching & Consulting Group (Oak Park, IL)—a boutique executive coaching and consulting firm.
Purchased two GOLFTEC franchise territories (provides golf instruction) – New York and Indiana
How have you stayed connected with the college?
As young alum: DAAP, Young Alumni events, Reunions, Alumni Annual Fund Chair, Reunion Committees
As older alum: Davidson Trustee, Davidson Campaign- Leadership Committee, Presidential Search Committee, Chair Reunion Class Gift
Throughout: keeping in touch with classmates, attending games, etc.
Describe your work now, including a typical day.
On any given day, I am usually working with Senior Leaders 1:1 or with Leadership Teams to enhance their leadership results, impact, and/or well-being.
Are there any lessons you learned while playing college basketball that contributed to your career path and your current position?
For sure, basketball reinforced the notion of team work—the benefits of working together, how teams perform best when diverse skills are included and optimized; ways to enhance preparation; and the value of perseverance.
Any tips for current Davidson players?
Enjoy the facilities….we've come a long way from the old Johnston Gym and locker room (smile). Be mindful of how lessons learned on the court/during your total experience playing basketball (trips, people you meet, etc.) might translate to your life outside the gym. Have fun!
What's next? Any thoughts of where your career and interests will go?
I love and will continue to do the work that I am doing now with organizational leaders (mid-to-C-Suite) and their teams. I have a particular interest and passion for helping female leaders achieve and contribute at higher, and multiple levels with in organizations. I see more travel and golf in my future.
The Davidson Athletic Fund and the women's basketball program are catching up with some of the program's former Wildcat players in a question and answer feature to find out "Where are they now?". This Q&A features former guard Mitzi Short, who played from 1979-1983.
Why Davidson? Tell us about what led you to choose Davidson.
I was very interested in attending a school that was great academically and a place where I could play basketball. I also wanted a small to medium size college or university so people would know each other vs. having 100+ students in every class. Given my interest in Pre-Med and business, Davidson appeared to be a nice fit. Once I visited the campus (tour, classes, met with professors, met the basketball coaches), I knew Davidson was the place for me.
While at Davidson, what were some of your highlights and growth in and out of basketball?
On the court, some highlights: being the point guard as Sarah Womack was setting many school records; the opportunity to play and beat Notre Dame—we played them, but did not win.
Off the court, we learned a lot from each other and had great fun as a team (classes, eating houses, road trips, etc.).
What was your academic focus and process at Davidson and how did that shape your life and work post College?
I decided to pursue a career in business and majored in Economics. I viewed Davidson as a springboard/vehicle to help prepare me for future experiences and endeavors. I used my time at Davidson to learn as much as I could, in and out of the classroom. I've always appreciated the opportunity to interact and engage with the Davidson family (students, faculty, staff, alumni)--such a smart, service-oriented community, with similar values.
Connect the dots from what you did after graduating to where you are now.
Career #1: four years at Procter & Gamble: in various sales roles including--Sales Rep (Raleigh/Durham); District Field Rep (Atlanta); Unit Sales Manager (TN/KY)
Retired after 25 years with PepsiCo, last 3 roles: VP/GM PepsiCo Customer Team (Chicago), VP Multicultural Marketing (NY, reporting to Pepsi CEO), VP Sales – West Region
Career #2: Founded and currently leading New Season Coaching & Consulting Group (Oak Park, IL)—a boutique executive coaching and consulting firm.
Purchased two GOLFTEC franchise territories (provides golf instruction) – New York and Indiana
How have you stayed connected with the college?
As young alum: DAAP, Young Alumni events, Reunions, Alumni Annual Fund Chair, Reunion Committees
As older alum: Davidson Trustee, Davidson Campaign- Leadership Committee, Presidential Search Committee, Chair Reunion Class Gift
Throughout: keeping in touch with classmates, attending games, etc.
Describe your work now, including a typical day.
On any given day, I am usually working with Senior Leaders 1:1 or with Leadership Teams to enhance their leadership results, impact, and/or well-being.
Are there any lessons you learned while playing college basketball that contributed to your career path and your current position?
For sure, basketball reinforced the notion of team work—the benefits of working together, how teams perform best when diverse skills are included and optimized; ways to enhance preparation; and the value of perseverance.
Any tips for current Davidson players?
Enjoy the facilities….we've come a long way from the old Johnston Gym and locker room (smile). Be mindful of how lessons learned on the court/during your total experience playing basketball (trips, people you meet, etc.) might translate to your life outside the gym. Have fun!
What's next? Any thoughts of where your career and interests will go?
I love and will continue to do the work that I am doing now with organizational leaders (mid-to-C-Suite) and their teams. I have a particular interest and passion for helping female leaders achieve and contribute at higher, and multiple levels with in organizations. I see more travel and golf in my future.
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