Where Are They Now: Kirby Southard
7/28/2020 4:52:00 PM | Football
Southard was a member of the Bears Football team from 2013-16
MACON, Ga. – We all know about the great accomplishments that Mercer student-athletes have achieved during their time as a Bear, but what are they up to after they graduate? Today, we take a look inside former Mercer football student-athlete Kirby Southard and his career after Mercer.
Southard anchored the Bears' offensive line throughout the first four years of the program's resurgence from 2013-16, starting all 48 games at center. A native of Alpharetta, Ga., Southard was named to the Pioneer League Academic Honor Roll in 2013 before earning a pair of Southern Conference Academic Honor Roll nods in 2014 and 2015.
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Why did you choose Mercer?
I chose Mercer because of the academic prestige the university carries, as well as the location of the school. Macon, Ga. allowed me to play close to home and family, while having the ability for my family to come to the games was a crucial factor for me.Â
What is your fondest athletic memory at Mercer?
Off the field: Celebrating with the school after Mercer beat Duke in the NCAA tournament. The entire school was absolutely electric that day.
On the field: Beating No. 3 ranked UT-Chattanooga at home. We wore our camo jerseys that night which also made it a little more special.
Who had the biggest influence on you during your athletic career at Mercer and how?
My offensive line coach, Casey Vogt, definitely had the biggest impact on me. Coach Vogt made a point to get to know me as a man, not just a player on the team. He was someone you could go to with anything, and he definitely helped shape me into who I am today.
What is the most valuable thing you gained or learned from your time at Mercer?
Mercer is a very tough academic school and playing college football is not easy either. Both require your everything to be successful. Mercer taught me how to master time-management, which is a skill I use today and will carry me throughout life. Life can get hectic and out of control at times, but the values and skills I learned balancing athletics and academics have allowed me to be prepared for everything that has come my way thus far.
What advice would you give to current members of the team you played for?
This one is pretty easy. I would say, enjoy every moment. The time you get with your teammates can be fleeting and doesn't last forever. Give everything you can, whether that is in whatever role you play. You can't get it back when it's done, and you don't want to look back on anything and say, "What if?".
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Who was your favorite professor and why?
My favorite professor was probably Mrs. Stephanie Morris. She was able to take accounting (my major) and turn something into what many might think boring or tough, into something really enjoyable.
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Where do you live now?
I live in Brookhaven, Ga.
What is your occupation?
I am an outside sales representative that covers the majority of the Southeast for my family business, SBS & Associates.
What have you done since graduating? (Life, Career, etc.)
Since graduation in 2016, I have moved to Brookhaven, Ga., begun my career in the Door Hardware industry, and have passed a couple accreditation exams to further my ability in the industry.
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Where do you see yourself in the future with your career?
Hopefully in the coming years, I will pass my main accreditation exam, AHC (Architectural Hardware Consultant), to be able to work on new and renovation construction regarding the correct products in appliance to code and standards.
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What are your goals and aspirations for the coming years?
In the coming years, I hope to be able to move into a house around Atlanta and take some time to travel. I want to travel international and see the world.
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