By Derrick Smith

When a student is involved in athletics, they learn about more than just that sport. They learn things that they can carry with them long after they quit playing the sport. Nancy Zimmershied says that the other things they learn can be more important than the sport. 

“Playing sports is so important,” she said. “I believe activities are key to help kids learn to work together, build relationships and character. Plus they also have to opportunity to make lasting memories.”

Nancy is a proud graduate of Ponca City High School. She played soccer for the Lady Wildcats. As a parent, she is proud to see all of her children attend her alma mater. 

“My daughter Veronika is currently enrolled in nursing school,” she said. “When she was in high school, she was a high stepper. Devin, who is a senior, is a member of the Wildcat football team. And sophomore Alex is a member of the softball team.”

While she enjoys watching her kids play, she also invests her time in different areas in the district. 

“I am the president of the soccer booster club,” she said. “I am also a member at large of the softball booster club, and I serve as the Ponca City Board of Education president. I enjoy making sure that our district is the best that it can be. I pride myself on the relationships I have with my children. I believe staying active in what they do builds our relationships and makes them even stronger. Anything I can do with my kids I’m in.”

The community of Ponca City is home to Zimmershied and her family and she says that she would not have it any other way. 

“I love being a part of the Wildcat way,” she said. “We have a great community and school with the best teacher, staff, and leaders. I also think it is pretty special that my kids are Wildcats just like my husband and I. Once a Wildcat, always a Wildcat.”