Tina Stracener has worn nearly every hat possible in youth sports , coach, fund raiser, bookkeeper, and ride coordinator. These days, though, she’s most proud to be known as “Colten’s mom.”
Her son, Colten Stracener, is a junior at Ponca City High School, where he’s been a multi-sport athlete in soccer, baseball, and basketball. Over the years, his focus has narrowed to the sport he loves most , basketball, and Tina has been there through every dribble, jump shot, and team event.
“I have always been involved in Colten’s sports from the beginning at the age of five when he started playing soccer,” Tina said. “Then at the age of seven, he added baseball and basketball.”
Her support has gone far beyond the stands. When coaches needed an extra hand, Tina stepped in. She’s provided snacks, kept scorebooks, worked concessions, helped organize fundraisers, and made sure teammates had rides to games and tournaments. For her, it’s all part of showing up for her son’s athletic journey and the broader Ponca City community.
“I believe it is important to have priorities to help navigate kids through life as well as help give them guidance at a time when they are trying to figure out who they are and where they fit in,” she said.
Tina has also taken on a leadership role in supporting the basketball program through the Po Hi Tip Off Club, where she has served as vice president and now treasurer. The group ensures players at all levels have what they need for a successful season , from travel snacks and home game meals to team bonding events and the end-of-year banquet.
As much as she invests in the school’s athletics, Tina also dedicates time to the wider community. She currently serves as treasurer for Ponca City Area Crime Stoppers and has been active on that board for 13 years, previously serving as secretary and president.
Tina says Ponca City High School offers exceptional opportunities for students, both on the court and in the classroom.
“Po Hi provides a lot for our kids,” she said. “From athletics to the STEM academies and even our state-of-the-art concert hall, students here really have everything they need to succeed.”
