By Derrick Smith

Kids can begin playing sports at a young age. This not only gets them a head start on learning and become better at that sport, but they also learn other important things that they will carry with them as they grow. Rhonda Cooper says it is a crucial time in a child’s growth.

“This is an important time in our children’s lives,” she said. “Teaching them success, failure, commitment, and most of all teamwork. Everything learned on the field will help them navigate their future.” 

Cooper is a graduate of Blackwell High School where she played softball, track, basketball, and soccer. She currently has three daughters in the Ponca City School system.

“Caitlin is a freshman,” she said. “She plays softball and basketball. Kodi is in the eighth grade and she also plays softball and basketball. The youngest, Roni, is in first grade and does tumbling and softball, but has also decided to give basketball a try this year.”

Between her work and her kids, Cooper says that she does not get much free time.

“I am a program coordinator,” Rhonda said. “We provide care for individuals with developmental disabilities. I don’t have a lot of free time with three busy daughters, but I love spending time with my family and anything outdoors. Most of my days are spent leaving work and going straight to a field or court. I help in anyway I can. Making snack bags, concession, picking up trash after games, providing rides for teammates, to unloading buses after a long day at away games.”

Cooper says that Ponca City is a great place to live and raise a family, and she is glad that she is a part of a great community.

“Ponca City is the strongest community I have ever been a part of,” she said. “It’s all built on volunteers. We have a strong base of coaches and parents that only want the best for our children. When the day is done, loss or victory, we always stand together. I am proud to be a Ladycat mom.”