By Patricia Hudson
Bridgeland residents Dave and Maryann Mason’s high school and college experiences ran parallel courses, but it took a benefit fun run in Memorial Park to bring them together. Maryann recounts, “We went to the same high school, (Klein C/O 1989, 1990), and to the same college, (Texas A&M C/O 1993, 1994), but did not meet until 1997, after the Rudy Tomjanovich Fun Run. There were several opportunities as we discovered that we could have had an earlier encounter, like going to his college house before a TAMU football game with my family, but it didn’t happen! We will be celebrating 23 years this November.”
“We are employed by ExxonMobil Chemical, explains Dave. “Our jobs with ExxonMobil have taken us from Houston to Detroit, back to Cypress, Beaumont, Baton Rouge, then back to Cypress, about 8 years ago. We loved Bridgeland, but wanted to look at all options. Originally, we had lived in Coles Crossing and searched there first, but ended up finding a great home in Bridgeland near our dear friends. We have since moved to another section in Bridgeland near Dragonfly Park and love the nature, green space, amenities and down to earth people around us!”
The Masons are parents to 20-year-old Luke and his teen sisters, Natalie and Andrea. Luke, a junior at Texas A&M University, is studying Industrial Engineering. (This generated a “Whoop!” from mom, Maryann.) In his second year as a counselor at Pine Cove Christian Camps @The Outback, Luke comments, “I have made some of my best friends there; God has put me in the right place at the right time. It’s been a life-changing experience.”
A recent Bridgeland High School grad, Natalie will be a freshman at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor this fall, where she plans to study nursing and play collegiate soccer. “I have always felt the desire to help others and would love to become a RN or PA and end up in the NICU or ER,” explains Natalie earnestly.
Andrea is looking forward to her senior year at Bridgeland High School, where she is a member of the varsity soccer team. She also plans to join the Claw Crew spirit team. “I am very excited and can’t wait for everything to go back to normal for my senior year. I am currently taking classes in Architecture and am looking to do something along the lines of home design for my college and career.”
“Soccer is a family affair,” divulges Maryann. “Dave and I played on a co-ed team in Beaumont, Texas, for three years. The kids all started playing soccer for the Coles Crossing neighborhood team around the age of three. They have learned so much from their soccer experience: discipline, commitment, athleticism, team work and reaching goals! Luke played for the Cy Ranch Mustangs and club soccer for the Texans and Dynamos in high school, went to college and played for the Trinity University club team, and now in College Station, he has played for two men’s teams. He is considering trying out for the Texas A&M club team. The girls have also played for the Challenge Soccer Club. Andrea is still undecided if she will play soccer in college. It will be a challenge to see both daughters play soccer when there will be games at the same time, but we will just divide and conquer!”
Traveling keeps this family connected and active. “The most recent vacation we took was to celebrate Natalie’s high school graduation in Maui. The beauty that surrounded us was unforgettable,” recalls Maryann. “Even though two of us were reluctant, we all agreed to jump off cliffs into the ocean! The experience was spectacular. My favorite part of our family time is during the moments when we can hike or explore together without any distractions.”
The Masons are a family of volunteers. “From the mother and daughter opportunities with philanthropies in National Charity League (Reach Unlimited, Boys and Girls Country, Santa Maria Hostel, and the Food Bank were our favorites), to outreach at our church, “Christ the Redeemer,” to the collection and distribution of food for the homeless with Cy-Fair Helping Hands, we have found that there is nothing like the feeling we get by serving others,” asserts mom.
Age has not slowed this dad down, “Dave turned 50 this year and decided to challenge himself by training for a full Ironman race in November. He enjoys pushing his physical limits further and further; I am so proud of how far he has come” says Maryann. “You would not catch me running another marathon, but would likely see me at an Xtreme class at Lifetime Fitness!”
In reflection, Maryann comments, “Dave and I feel like we are in a great place in our lives as our kids are figuring things out and pursuing passions. We attribute this to our faith in God to provide and continue to write our story.”
