Kate Gordon Short, a College Legend Now Gone Pro

During her career in college, Kate Gordon Short hit a lot of home runs. It took her all of one at-bat as a professional softball player to hit her first pro dinger.

Short was out of softball, coaching a youth team and working as a realtor, when the Smash-It Sports Vipers came calling with an offer to spend this summer playing pro softball. For the Colonial Athletic Association’s all-time home run leader, it was a quick yes.

Currently part of the inaugural year of the Women’s Pro Fastpitch (WPF) organization, Short and the Vipers are one of two teams that are taking part in a barnstorming-style nationwide tour, playing each other as well as other teams.

Recently, Short sat down with Extra Inning Softball to talk about beginning her pro career; the legacy she wants to leave on the game; and playing professionally with her new (married) name.

Extra Inning Softball: After your playing career at JMU ended in Oklahoma City, did you feel like your playing career was done for good?
Kate Gordon Short: Not necessarily. I have always wanted to play softball for as long as I could. After Oklahoma City, I never truly thought I was done for good as a player because an opportunity could present itself at any moment. But, if my playing career ended in OKC, I knew I could hang my cleats up with confidence because I gave everything I had to the game. I was always hopeful and optimistic for
a future opportunity. It’s all in God’s timing.

Extra Inning Softball: When and how did the thought process and the initial opportunity to play professionally first originate?
Kate Gordon Short: OKC was always my goal. As a young girl, I can remember watching the WCWS with my parents in our living room and telling them that one day they’d see me playing in there. But my dreams shifted beyond college softball when I went to my first NPF game. I realized then the dream of playing professional softball could become my reality. Ever since then, I’ve been working as hard as I can to get here.

Extra Inning Softball: Once that opportunity did present itself, was accepting the offer an easy decision or something that you took time to contemplate? What were the biggest factors you considered in that process, whether quick or drawn-out?
Kate Gordon Short: The decision was easy, but I did take some time to talk it over with my husband, family and friends. They are all so supportive and want me to continue to follow my dreams. The hardest part of my decision was having to step away, temporarily, from the travel ball team I coach. My lifelong friend, Allison Breeden and I coach 12 girls who we love teaching and sharing our passion for the game with. Although the players and their parents are extremely supportive and happy for me, I am sad I am going to miss some of their season. Thankfully, the parents and others are willing to step in while I’m gone. After talking with my girls, I was 100% confident that the decision I made was the right one. Not only for myself, but for the future of the game especially in my small town.

Extra Inning Softball: How do you plan to structure your working career with your pro season? Will you take a
leave of absence or try to do both simultaneously?
Kate Gordon Short: Like I said, I have been with Old Dominion Realty as a property manager and real estate agent since May of 2020. My boss and co-workers have always been supportive and flexible with school and softball. Unfortunately my last day as a property manager was May 6, but I will continue to sell real estate. I have amazing agents who I work with who are willing to help out with my clients when needed, and I have the most amazing clients who are supportive and understanding. The beauty of working in real estate is it can be much more flexible than your average 9-5. My support system back home is incredible. With their help, I’m able to continue assisting my clients
while playing professionally. Although I will technically be managing both, softball will come first.

Extra Inning Softball: What was the reaction of those close to you when you made the decision to play again?
Kate Gordon Short: They were all so excited and happy for me when I told them I was playing again. They know this has been my dream for years. My husband, who has been a part of this journey the last 6 years, didn’t miss a beat by encouraging me to go.

Extra Inning Softball: What has the preparation and training process looked like for you since you made the decision to play again?
Kate Gordon Short: Since the WCWS ended, I’ve continued to weight train and practice softball. When I made the decision to play pro, I altered my workouts to model those from college. I started training more on the field and in the cages to work on fundamentals. My schedule has also been more consistent preparing me to be in the best shape physically and mentally.

Extra Inning Softball: If you’re looking into your crystal ball, how do you envision your career as a pro going, especially in terms of longevity? Play one year, play as long as you can, see what happens day-to-day, something else?
Kate Gordon Short: Of course, the goal is to play as long as possible. But, I am trying to take it day-to-day. I always try to be present in the moment for two reasons. 1- I don’t want to look back and regret not enjoying where I was because I was worried about where I could eventually be and 2- you can’t predict the future and never know what life will throw at you. Currently, I’m just focusing on being 100% in the moment and becoming the best version of me. I hope I am fortunate enough to play longer than a year and can have a positive impact on the game of softball for many years to come.

Extra Inning Softball: You set a lot of records, had a lot of great happenings at JMU. What are some things that you want to see happen for your career as a pro?
Kate Gordon Short: Honestly, I just want to go out there, have fun and play the best ball I can. I was super fortunate to have the opportunities to break records, help our team reach their goals, and leave my mark at JMU. I hope I am presented with similar opportunities in the WPF. I am very optimistic that the league is going to be around for a while. My goal is to do everything I can, to help build the league and grow the game of softball.

Extra Inning Softball: You also left a great legacy at JMU; what and how do you hope that your new career as a pro
adds to that legacy that you’re ultimately leaving in the game?
Kate Gordon Short: Looking back at my career, if you told me one day I would have the chance to compete in the WCWS, play professionally and become a role model for athletes I don’t know if I would have believed you. I remember at JMU my freshman year, they asked us how we wanted to be remembered and my answer was “kind.” I like to engage with fans, do community service and be the best teammate/friend possible. In the years to come, I want to look back and say I made a positive impact on and off the field. My goal is to inspire softball players across the globe to respect their team, always be thankful for your community, and make sure your support
system/fans always feel appreciated. You never know what conversation or moment could inspire someone to follow their dreams. I have been blessed with accolades, rings and trophies over the years but to me, the ultimate reward is inspiring athletes to follow their goals and strive to be the best person they can be.

Extra Inning Softball: Are you going by Kate Short – sans Gordon – now? What’s it going to be like playing under a
different name than you ever have before?
Kate Gordon Short: I am playing as Kate Short. I changed my name on my social media pages to Kate Gordon Short so people who may be unaware of my recent marriage and name change aren’t confused when they see Short. I am excited and honored to be playing as a married woman. It’s an honor to show younger generations that you can still pursue your dreams even after marriage. I hope I also encourage future generations to pick a partner in life who supports and encourages their dreams. Regardless of the name on my back or number I rep, I will always play for the team on the front to the best of my ability!