It was inside that diamond-shaped, dirt-packed playing field, about 30 feet from second and 30 from third, that Jordan Conley learned some of her most valuable professional life lessons.

The shortstop is the “quarterback” of a softball team’s defense. Always alert. Always aware of what others around you are doing, no matter what play develops. You might be cutting off the outfield throw or covering second, or backing up third. No matter what, you’re on standby to support your teammates as the next set of actions come to light.

Jordan thrived in this role. She never took a play off. She’s never wavered in her support, whether a teammate bore a number on their uniform or they shared a cubicle space to her right or left. Through sport, life, and her professional journey, Jordan’s career is a testament to this: True support flows both ways. In more ways than one, Jordan has found success by support.

For the Love of the Game.

Jordan grew up around sports, playing volleyball but gravitating quickly to softball.  In her youth, she played for the nationally touted Texas Glory Softball fastpitch squad that consistently competes in and wins prestigious events such as the PGF Nationals, the USA Softball Nationals and the Triple Crown Nationals.

From there, she won a State Championship with Lindale High School and went on to play Division 1 College Softball with Texas State University in San Marcos. Success found Jordan on every playing field she found herself on.

“Definitely my favorite part of growing up was sports, and I still miss that team locker room feeling. Being accountable to one another. Working with people you wouldn’t normally cross paths with. Being present. Being available, and doing everything you are supposed to do to be a solid teammate,” Jordan said.

Getting Ahead in the Count.

After leaving San Marcos, Jordan returned home to East Texas to start her career. She took a role as a receptionist with the East Texas Division of Meals on Wheels, but quickly worked her way up. As the head of scheduling over all of East Texas, she worked closely with paid drivers and volunteers to coordinate efforts to ensure no meal was left undelivered.

“I loved it there. Obviously helping people in your community is rewarding. But even more than that, working with volunteers and the older people we served. It was just a great environment that brought me a lot of professional satisfaction.”

The Curveball.

6 years into her career with Meals on Wheels, Jordan was diagnosed with cancer. Though she initially tried to continue working, the chemo left her completely unable to do so on a consistent basis. Six months of treatment. Six months of radiation. And then, the side effects of cancer treatment that often get passed by, what’s commonly known as “chemo brain.”

“I’m here to tell you that ‘chemo brain’ is a real thing. It’s almost like you have a learning disability,” Jordan recalls. “Your memory suffers. You think you’d done something that you haven’t… It was so disheartening, because I wanted to go back to work and continue my life, but I continued to struggle with simple daily tasks and reminders, getting confused.”

Almost a year went by  and Jordan started working out again. She worked diligently at cognitive games designed to help her cope with her ailment. Eventually, it started to get better.

The Support from the Dugout.

The dugout cheers heard from a softball dugout aren’t just noise – they’re part of the soul of the game. They create camaraderie, build team chemistry, and turn lulls into moments of pure electricity.

That’s the level of support that Jordan was after again.

She says she was pretty open to what her next career turn would be, but knew she had experience in administration. After applying for several positions, she landed at Datamax: And what might have appeared initially as just another gig shifted gears as she met the people around her.

“What made it easy to work here has always been the people – that’s not something that’s guaranteed at other places. I can get through the day with people I like and who stick together and support each other through challenges and unexpected turns.”

She hasn’t just found support. She’s found success. In the Spring of 2023, she was promoted to administrative supervisor. It’s more than just a tribute to her hustle in the office. It’s a reflection of lessons learned on the softball field.

She displays pure speed.

“I appreciate the speed of this role. I set a goal for myself every day and every week, and know that if I don’t get everything done in my cue for a day, I’m setting myself up for failure.”

She’s a Bonafide utility player.

In her time here, Jordan has taken it upon herself to learn supplies fulfillment, collections, equipment billing and contract billing. If there’s a need on the field, she fills the void.

“The more areas I worked in the more I could learn. Any opportunity to learn different parts of admin, I wanted to know… When you have the perspective of what someone else does in their role, you can empathize.”

It’s been a while since she put on the cleats, but Jordan’s still that shortstop manning the infield. Whether it’s her leaning on teammates or vice versa, she’s found success by way of support.  Always alert. Always available. True support flows both ways.