The Dallas Mavericks are proud to recognize the importance of National Girls & Women in Sports Day and today we salute the special women that play an integral role in the organization’s success both on and off the court. For the last 35 years, this day has acknowledged and recognized the powerful influence of women in sports, while shining light on the importance of equality and inclusion in the workplace.
The Dallas Mavericks have made tremendous strides towards championing a culture that pushes women to reach their full potential. Today, the Mavs’ workplace is now 46 percent women and these game-changing ladies have paved successful careers, lighting a torch for future girls to also follow their dreams. The Mavericks also have 66 women that are members of the Women of Mavs Empowering Network (W.O.M.E.N.), an employee resource group open to all men and women, aimed at creating meaningful relationships and opportunities within the Dallas Mavericks organization.
Some of our women are even making history. Dallas Mavs’ CEO Cynt Marshall is the first Black female CEO in the NBA. The Mavs have two female assistant coaches: Jenny Boucek sits on the bench with the current team and Kelli Robinson coaches the future with the Mavs Academy. Meanwhile, Mavs’ assistant athletic trainer Heather Mau is in her second season with Dallas and assistant strength and conditioning coach Meg Dodge is also in the midst of her second NBA season with Dallas.
It’s important to note, too, that Emmy award-winning sports broadcaster Dana Larson remains an important piece of our story, uniting the Mavs with our fanbase after covering the team for nearly two decades. She remains one of the NBA’s longest-tenured sports anchors, male or female, in the game today.
Away from the spotlight, there’s another set of women who serve as the heartbeat and foundation of the Mavs organization and that is our longest-tenured female employees. They are woven in strength and loyalty, committed to making a difference in the now – and what will be. From the arrival of Dirk Nowitzki, to the Mavs’ 2011 championship to the ushering in of a new generation with Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis — this group of women have lived it all.
They have seen this franchise and game from a unique set of lenses, so it’s our hope that by sharing their stories, it will serve as a source of inspiration for others who envision a career in professional sports. The following women have punched over 15 years of service with the Mavericks, and on this special day, we aim to spotlight their remarkable journeys and celebrate their endless achievements.
Meet some of our longest tenured women of the Dallas Mavericks…
DEADRAH SMITHMavs.com: Let’s go back to the beginning. What was your position?
Smith: I first joined the Mavericks in October of 1996 and I was the Marketing/Corporate Sales Assistant.
Mavs.com: Did you always want to work for a sports team and what’s the backstory?
Smith: KLIF Radio was the Flagship Station for the Dallas Mavericks in 1996. I was the Sales Assistant for the radio station, and I had to stop by Reunion Arena to pick up some T-Shirts from Toni Sterling, who was the Marketing/Corporate Sales Assistant at the time. We had spoken over the phone for years, but had never met. After meeting, we became good friends. Out of the blue, she called me one day and said she was leaving that position to become the assistant for the new head coach and if I was interested, she would put in a good word and get me an interview. Without knowing it going in, pretty much every corporate sponsor of the Mavs at the time had commercials running at the radio station. Every contact they had a relationship with, so did I through the station. I believe that’s what secured the job for me.
Mavs.com: As you reflect back on your last 15-plus years with the franchise, what are some of your favorite memories?
Smith:
Mavs.com: I know we don’t have favorites, but if you had to pick a Mavs’ player or two who really influenced your career (or made it enjoyable) — who would you pick and why?
Smith: I would have to say Michael Finley. When Michael came to the Mavs from the Suns, we did quite a few player appearances together. I eventually met his family and friends. I really got to know him back then as a person, not the player. The players back then treated me more like a “mother figure”, which I did not mind. During one of the appearances, Michael asked me if I could cook. I told him, ‘of course. I’m a country girl!’ I’m not sure if he enjoyed the meal, but his plate didn’t have anything left on it when he was done. My kids loved meeting him (both had a story to tell at school the next day), and we are still friends to this day.
Mavs.com: What are some moments or memories that stick out to you from the 2011 NBA championship season?
Smith: During the 2011 playoffs, I really don’t remember what round or game it was, but I actually stayed for the second half of the game. Something I never did. I would always leave at halftime. I happened to be sitting next to Desiree Scott (featured in the story below) and all we kept saying to each other was how we could not believe we were winning and continuing to win. Laughing, smiling and hugging! I still feel those chills in my body when I think about it!
Mavs.com: Today, and every day, we celebrate being a woman in sports — and, even more, we hope to inspire a new generation of young girls to pursue their dreams in this industry and not to allow their gender to limit them. What do you want these young girls to know?Smith: Always give 100%.
Mavs.com: Finally, who are the women in your own life who inspired you the most?
Smith: My grandmother, Elfreda Oates, who lived to be 105. She and my grandfather were farmers. She had the foresight to purchase land, back when it was truly a man’s world, and the insight to know that she always wanted the land to be kept within the family – land can only be sold to a direct decedent of her 15 children (yes, 15)! We always thought Grandpa was running things. Oh how wrong we were!
Mavs.com: Let’s go back to the beginning. What was your position?
Scott: I started on January 13, 1997. It was the 1986-87 season and I started in ticket sales. There were three men and I was the only sales woman in the department. In fact, Steve Letson was over the ticket sales department. The person who hired me is now the president of the State Fair of Texas.
Mavs.com: Did you always want to work for a sports team and what’s the backstory?
Scott: Deadrah Smith (featured in the section above) worked with my husband at a local radio station and she told me about the Mavs job…. I worked as a temporary summer hire for another NBA team in the late 80’s…..I thought if I ever had a chance to work for a sports team again, I would start at the bottom just to be able get back to a sports team.
Mavs.com: As you reflect back on your last 15-plus years with the franchise, what are some of your favorite memories?
Scott: Being at DFW airport to meet Dirk. Going to a holiday party at Cuban’s house that had no furniture in it, I found out Mark bought the team watching Dale Hansen on WFAA. Winning the championship, Going to San Antonio in 2003 as a staff was so much fun.
Mavs.com: I know we don’t have favorites, but if you had to pick a Mavs’ player or two who really influenced your career (or made it enjoyable) — who would you pick and why
Scott: Eddie Najera helped my career….he was instrumental helping me further the Mavs Hispanic initiatives.
Mavs.com: What are some moments or memories that stick out to you from the 2011 NBA championship season?
Scott: I remember thinking some teams never get to the finals or the championship game and it only took us five years to get back to the NBA Finals after losing in 2006. Our last home game at AAC against Miami was incredible, I remember the drum line on the plaza was so crowded and no one wanted to leave. I really couldn’t believe that we were going to win…..I cried happy tears at home and remember my allergies were horrible!
Mavs.com: How would you describe your current position with the Mavs to someone who might not work in professional sports?
Scott: I call on all different types of businesses and present partnerships to help a client’s business through sports marketing. At the end of the day, I get to watch the best basketball on the planet!
Mavs.com: Today, and every day, we celebrate being a woman in sports — and, even more, we hope to inspire a new generation of young girls to pursue their dreams in this industry and not to allow their gender to limit them. What do you want these girls to know?
Scott: Don’t give up on your dreams, sometimes you might need to take a different path but you need to be persistent.
Mavs.com: Finally, who are the women in your own life who inspired you the most?
Scott: My mother raised five kids as a single parent and showed me we are all equal. Also, my great-grandmother who quietly loved and supported us.
JANA FLEMINGMavs.com: Let’s go back to the beginning. What was your position?
Fleming: I started as a temp in October 2001. I remember because it was right after 9/11. I became a permanent employee the following summer.
Mavs.com: Did you always want to work for a sports team and what’s the backstory?
Fleming: I had been laid off from a job at another company, and I was working as a temp for a staffing agency. I had half season Mavs tickets at the time and saw the job opportunity on the Mavs website. I guess the planets and stars aligned.
Mavs.com: As you reflect back on your last 15-plus years with the franchise, what are some of your favorite memories?
Fleming: I have a lot of fond memories. The Championship year, all the Girls Night Out parties, dressing up for Halloween every year, and Devin Harris riding through the office on a camel. I also remember typing invoices on an actual typewriter. 😳
Mavs.com: I know we don’t have favorites, but if you had to pick a Mavs’ player or two who really influenced your career (or made it enjoyable) — who would you pick and why?
Fleming: Dirk, our superstar, for not acting like a superstar.
Mavs.com: What are some moments or memories that stick out to you from the 2011 NBA championship season?
Fleming: I watched the final game with all the crazy fans in the terrace level of the AAC. You would never know it was a road game. It was magical!
Mavs.com: How would you describe your current position with the Mavs to someone who might not work in professional sports?
Fleming: Finance stuff…it’s confidential. 😉
Mavs.com: Today, and every day, we celebrate being a woman in sports — and, even more, we hope to inspire a new generation of young girls to pursue their dreams in this industry and not to allow their gender to limit them. What do you want these young girls to know?
Fleming: Follow your dreams. You are limitless, you just have to believe it.
Mavs.com: Finally, who are the women in your own life who inspired you the most?
Fleming: My female best friends all inspire me by being unique and individual. At the office, I aspire to keep up with Nina Moreno. She knows how to do everything and fix anything. She can tell you how to use the UPS machine or how to fix a Corvette. She knows everything from A to Z.
LINDSAY OSTERMavs.com: Let’s go back to the beginning. What was your position?
Oster: I started on March 17, 2003 and I was receptionist.
Mavs.com: Did you always want to work for a sports team and what’s the backstory?
Oster: At the time when I applied, I was just looking for a full-time job period. I had bounced around working a few different PT jobs at a time after college and honestly as applying anywhere and everywhere. I originally applied for a position in Ticket Sales but when I did not get it, I continued to reach to HR every couple of months, checking to see if anything was available. About 9 months later I was called and offered the receptionist position.
Mavs.com: As you reflect back on your last 15-plus years with the franchise, what are some of your favorite memories?
Oster: Anything related to the 2011 Championship season. The entire office going to Miami in 2006 for a Finals game. Anything Dirk related; his milestone games, 41.21.1, seeing his last game in San Antonio, his street naming day/ceremony. Vince Carter hitting the buzzer-beater shot to beat San Antonio and keep us alive in the playoffs.
Mavs.com: What are some moments or memories that stick out to you from the 2011 NBA championship season?
Oster: Those few months from the start of the playoff until the parade took place were a whirlwind! It was non-stop but completely worth it. I was so busy with Suite orders that I’d have to go into the office every 
Saturday and Sunday to catch up and there was always at least a couple there. It was all basketball, all the time. If you were not at a home game, you were watching on TV and just glued to every minute of it because the game’s outcome determined your daily work. I was just happy to beat Portland and advance to Round 2 and never thought we’d beat the Lakers. It was exhausting but so much fun to be a part all of it and share the experience with coworkers and friends. I’ll never forget how hot it was on the day of the Championship Parade and the masses and masses of people that came to watch. It was truly electric.
Also, another special moment was going to the airport when the team arrived home from Miami in 2011. Some people went to Miami, but I was so happy to watch the game in Dallas because the timing was perfect. I was able to welcome the team off the plane when they arrived. It was pretty AWESOME!
Mavs.com: How would you describe your current position with the Mavs to someone who might not work in professional sports?
Oster: I am currently in my fourth position and department with the Mavs. As Influencer Manager in Communications & Events, my main day-to-day focus is to create and manage influencer marketing campaigns to help promote the Mavs brand whether that be through merchandise sales, community initiatives or our corporate sponsors.
Mavs.com: Finally, who are the women in your own life who inspired you the most?
Oster: Personally, my mom has of course always been a strong role model for me. Within the Mavs organization, I always looked up and admired Sarah Melton.
KRISTY LAUEMavs.com: Let’s go back to the beginning. What was your position?
Laue: I first started with the Mavs in September 2002 as a full-time intern in the PR dept.
Mavs.com: Did you always want to work for a sports team and what’s the backstory?
Laue: My junior year of college, one of my professors assigned me to an internship with a pro baseball team (AA Round Rock Express) and I began working for them in the PR dept doing stats. My senior year of college I was given another internship with a pro hockey team (Austin Icebats) in the player relations/community dept. I came to find out that both roles I had had always gone to a male student in the past. I felt like I had something to prove to show that women could do just as well in those roles in sports as a man could. What I found from working in sports during those semesters is how much I loved the positive and encouraging environment it offered and it made me want to continue that path professionally after college.
Mavs.com: As you reflect back on your last 15-plus years with the franchise, what are some of your favorite memories?
Laue: Winning the NBA Championship 2011
Mavs.com: What are some moments or memories that stick out to you from the 2011 NBA championship season?
Laue: Mine will be different than most as I was pregnant with twins the entire season of our championship run. I found out I was pregnant during pre-season and had the girls during the playoffs. Every home game night, a lot of the players would walk past me before taking the court and say “Let’s get this win twins” and that went on all season. Aside from that, I remember how close the team was and how it felt like we were all a family – the chemistry of that team definitely showed on and off the court.
Mavs.com: I know we don’t have favorites, but if you had to pick a Mavs’ player or two who really influenced your career (or made it enjoyable) — who would you pick and why?
Laue: Too many to name a few, but I cherish the relationships I had and continue to have with many of our former players and their families.
Mavs.com: Today we celebrate girls and women in sports. You mentioned your twin daughters earlier, so what is your message to them about never allowing their gender to limit them? What’s your message to other girls and women who might want to pursue a future in athletics or sports?
Laue: Be kind to everyone. Show respect to get respect and trust your talents. One of the things I notice about this industry is how much “trust” is a factor – both how hard it is to earn trust and how easy it is to lose it. I feel like when it comes to people in the sports industry, everyone knows everyone. Be willing to try new things and have the mindset of “no job is beneath me”. Even if you end up in a position that is not exactly what you wanted to do, do it to the best of your abilities as you never know what other opportunities it might lead to. Women working in the sports industry are not as common as men (yet), so naturally you will be noticed more… take that opportunity to show them what you can do and why you deserve to be there.
Mavs.com: Who are the women throughout your own life, whether at home or in the workplace, who inspire you the most?
Laue: My 9-year-old daughters. The moment they were born they inspired me to be the best version of myself and to show them that women can do anything a man can do and their gender should never hold them back from anything they want to do or become.
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