For Ponca City mom Ariana Alva, life is a full schedule of family, work, and showing up for her daughters—both on the track and in the orchestra pit.
Ariana is the proud mom of two talented high school athletes. Her oldest daughter, Gaby, is 17 and entering her junior year. Gaby runs cross country and track, and also plays the viola in the school orchestra. Her younger daughter, Lily, is 15 and a rising sophomore who competes in shot put and discus for the track team while also playing the bass in orchestra. Both girls are busy, driven, and passionate—and their mom is their biggest supporter.
Professionally, Ariana has worked at Dorada Foods for 13 years as a Human Resources Generalist. In her free time, she enjoys running and spending time with her family. Ariana also serves on two different boards, further demonstrating her commitment to her community.
When it comes to her daughters’ sports careers, Ariana is all-in. She makes every effort to attend their meets and activities and helps however she can behind the scenes. She believes in giving her girls the tools to succeed, whether it’s physical, emotional, or simply being present. “I try to enforce discipline and work ethic in all they do,” she says.
The toughest part of being a sports mom? Watching her daughters face injuries. But even in the tough moments, Ariana emphasizes the importance of keeping priorities straight. “Yes, it’s important,” she says. “If they don’t know what they stand for, they will fall for anything.”
While she’s not officially part of the school’s booster club, Ariana lends support wherever she can. What she loves most about her daughters’ school is the dedication of the coaching staff and the community’s commitment to its youth. “The coaches care so much about the athletes,” she says, “and the community always shows up to support them.”
Ariana Alva’s example is one of quiet strength, steady encouragement, and unwavering support—a true difference-maker in her daughters’ lives.
