Northern Oklahoma College has selected Sarah Jo Otto as the NOC Tonkawa Maverick competitive cheer coach.

Otto graduated from Northwestern Oklahoma State University with a bachelor's degree in mass communication and a master's degree in adult education and administration.

She was a member of the Northwestern Oklahoma State Ranger Cheer Team and also worked at a gymnastics gym. More recently, Otto owned and operated a competitive cheer and tumbling gym for four years. She also spent three years in education, teaching English and journalism in Elkhart, Kansas.

"I'm honored to be part of the return of cheer at Northern Oklahoma College and grateful for the opportunity to lead the Maverick program," Otto said. "I'm passionate about the sport and excited to build a culture of excellence, pride and family while creating an incredible experience for our student-athletes."

"Joining Northern Oklahoma College feels like a full-circle moment," Otto added. "It combines my passion for education, recruiting and the sport that has shaped so much of my life."

NOC Athletic Director Alan Foster said he is excited for Otto to lead the program.

"I am super excited to have Sarah lead our competitive cheer program," Foster said. "It has been a long and exhaustive search, but I believe it has been worth the wait to find someone with her experience and accomplishments."

"I look forward to seeing what she can build here at NOC Tonkawa as she guides our student-athletes through their competitive experience," he added.

Otto will also serve as a recruiter on the Tonkawa campus.

She is a graduate of Drummond High School.