Part 1: Former college athletes bring a winning mindset to their NS jobs

Mar 27, 2026

From buzzer‑beaters to bracket upsets, March Madness is all about grit, preparation, and teamwork. Those qualities matter just as much on the railroad, where Norfolk Southern teams bring that same focus and determination to work every day. Whether you work in a yard, mechanical shop or at an office, reliable operations depend on discipline and trust in the people around you.

That’s why this month, we’re spotlighting NS team members who started as athletes — and how the habits they built in sports, like teamwork, resilience, and performing under pressure, helped them transition into careers that keep our network running for customers and communities.

O'Neil McBride
Operations Manager (Intermodal and Automotive)
Chicago, IL
Years with NS: 3

What sport did you play?
Basketball (Position - Forward)

Where did you play (college/university), and during what years?
Clemson University (2019-2021)
Played in March Madness in 2021

How did you first get into your sport — and what kept you in it?
First got into basketball during little league at the local YMCA. I kept playing basketball because of the team aspect. I loved playing with some of my best friends growing up and throughout grade school.

Which skills from athletics show up most in your job today?
The biggest skills that show up from athletics would be teamwork and determination. As a high school basketball player everyone has the dream of playing at the next level, but I learned the trait of determination through playing hard and keeping your head down. You have to embrace the team while working for the railroad since there are so many different departments.

How does your sports background influence how you collaborate across teams?
My sports background allows me to realize that there are many integral parts/teams to the success of NS. All teams/departments in the company provide essential functions to the overall productivity of NS. Through sports, especially basketball, I realized that all five members on the court have to work together to win.

What’s a piece of feedback you received as an athlete that still guides you?
One thing that still guides me is to stay determined and keep grinding. Every day isn't going to be perfect, but that doesn’t mean that tomorrow won’t be the most successful day ever. Working hard and staying focused will bring great outcomes.

Elliott Austin
Manager Hazardous Material (Environmental / Law)
Atlanta, Ga
Years with NS: 2.5

What sport did you play?
Cross Country / Track and Field

Where did you play (college/university), and during what years?
East Carolina University / Mars Hill University (2002-2007)

How did you first get into your sport — and what kept you in it?
Running at that level forces a person to be disciplined in both preparation and execution.

Which skills from athletics show up most in your job today?
Small deviations from discipline in preparation and execution can lead to conquering goals that have been years in the making or falling short, and it affects not only you but your team and institution. This permeates into my work for NS daily.

How does your sports background influence how you collaborate across teams?
If we are not prepared and educated to make decisions in highly stressful situations that have far-reaching consequences, we can negatively affect not only our team but the NS family as a whole.

What’s a piece of feedback you received as an athlete that still guides you?
A coach would always say that you can rely on talent for only so long. Eventually you will fall back to the level of your training and preparation.

Katie Byrd
Assistant Director of Executive Communications (Corporate Communications)
Atlanta, Georgia
Years with NS: 3.5

What sport did you play?
Competitive Cheerleading (Football, Basketball, Gymnastics, Volleyball, Competition)

Where did you play (college/university), and during what years?
University of Georgia, 2009-2013 (Captain)

How did you first get into your sport — and what kept you in it?
Dad was a football coach, grew up at the football field with my family.

Which skills from athletics show up most in your job today?
Time management, work ethic, discipline, teamwork, positive mindset, and championing others.

How does your sports background influence how you collaborate across teams?
People perform differently. You have to uniquely know each person on the team’s strengths and weaknesses and work together to put forth the best work product.

What’s a piece of feedback you received as an athlete that still guides you?
Never rest mentality. Put the team first.

Heather Garcia
Sr. Communication Manager (Corporate Communications)
Atlanta, GA
Years with NS: 2.5

What sport did you play?
Field Hockey (midfielder)

Where did you play (college/university), and during what years?
Long Island University (NY) 2008-2011

How did you first get into your sport — and what kept you in it?
My older cousin played growing up and I used to watch her games before I was old enough to play.

Which skills from athletics show up most in your job today?
Resilience and competitiveness

How does your sports background influence how you collaborate across teams?
I'm comfortable with the uncomfortable and love working with people with different backgrounds/experiences/skillsets to find solutions.

What’s a piece of feedback you received as an athlete that still guides you?
A coach can't want something more than the team. When it comes to all things (career, sports, etc.), it's on you to push yourself and chart your own course - no one can do it for you.