Our goal is to aid local schools, community sports programs, and individuals with equipment, registration fees, or other needs. We believe in the health and wellness of our youth as well as the lessons and discipline learned through participation in athletic programs.

Benefits for Youth

Lower rates of anxiety and depression, lower amounts of stress, higher self-esteem and confidence, reduced risk of suicide, increased creativity, increased life satisfaction.

Improved bone health, improved weight status, muscular fitness, reduced risk of cancer and diabetes, increased overall quality of life.

Improved teamwork, social skills, social responsibility, improved life skills, improved educational and occupational skills, higher levels of academic achievement, greater leadership qualities.

Message from the President

My name is Mason Groves, and it is my honor and privilege to serve as the Board President of Building Athletes. Sports have always been a large part of my life. Whether I was personally playing or coaching my son’s little league team, I have seen firsthand the benefits that children involved in athletics receive such as improved health and wellness and being taught valuable life lessons, discipline, and commitment. This is why Building Athletes was created, to ensure we’ve done everything possible to assist area youth with the opportunity to become involved in athletics, without the worry financial burdens can levy on families. By supporting Building Athletes, you can help us take a step forward in achieving our mission that every child be afforded the opportunity to be involved in sports.

Mason Groves

President

Board of Directors

Mason Groves

President

Mason L. Groves is the VP of Accounting & Special Projects for People’s Electric Cooperative. He has served as Board President for Building Athletes since its inception. He graduated from East Central University with a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in accounting and has been a member of both the AICPA and OSCPA since 2017. He was named a 2020 Trailblazer by the Oklahoma Society of CPA’s and was also a 2020 graduate of the AICPA Leadership Academy. He also serves as Chair-Elect for the Ada Area Chamber of Commerce and Treasurer for the East Central University Foundation. Mason lives in Byng with his wife, Shannon, son, Maverick, and daughter, Taylynn.

CHelsea Butler

Vice President

Chelsea Butler serves as Vice President for Building Athletes and has since inception. She is a Vice President at First United Bank and has been in banking for 13 years, She was born and raised in Henryetta, OK where she played softball and basketball. She went on to East Central University where she obtained a Bachelors in Elementary Education in 2013. She has two children that are active in sports in the Ada community.

Casey Morgan

Treasurer

Casey has served as treasurer for Building Athletes since its inception. Casey has worked for Global Gaming Solutions, LLC since 2019, where she currently is the Director of Finance. Prior to that she worked at BKD, LLP in Oklahoma City for 8 years. Casey was born and raised in Ada and went to Latta High School where she played basketball. She went on to the University of Oklahoma where she obtained a Masters in Accounting in 2011.

Brie Grimes

Secretary

Brie Grimes is the Executive Assistant for People’s Electric Cooperative. She was born and raised in Paris, Texas. After graduating from Paris High School in 2012, she went on to Southeastern Oklahoma State University where she met Alan Grimes. After marrying Alan in 2013, she moved to Ada to continue her schooling at East Central University where she obtained a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in 2016. Her and her husband currently reside in Ada with their daughter, Kathryn.

Dr. Josh Priddle

Director

Dr. Josh Priddle lives in Ada with his wife and son. Serving his community at The Clinic as a Primary Care Sports Medicine Physician, Dr. Priddle is passionate about athletics. He believes sports can be powerful avenues to achieve health goals, teach life skills, and build teamwork. Josh is a Christian with a servant’s heart, and he has been with Building Athletes since the very beginning. He currently serves as our Trick-or-Trot Race Director and the Chair of the Events Committee.

Jacey Thomson

Director

Jacey Thomson is a well-rounded individual with a passion for both sports and finance. She left her mark on the softball field and graduated from Byng High School in 2013. Continuing her academic journey, she earned her Mass Communication degree from East Central University in 2017. In the professional arena, Jacey has found success as the Financial Center Manager at First United Bank, where she brings her skills and expertise to the financial industry. Her outstanding accomplishments were recognized when she received the NextGen Under 30 Award in both 2022 and 2024. Beyond her career, Jacey enjoys her time with her husband and their new baby boy, Jesse.