Kip Sanders - OU Spirit Coordinator
This is Kip's second year as the Spirit Program Coordinator at the University of Oklahoma. Kip began his collegiate Spirit Program experience as a member of the co-ed cheerleading team at the University of Texas from 2001 - 2005. During his time in Austin he cheered for the Longhorns at 4 bowl games including the 2004 Rose Bowl and the 2005 BCS National Championship. After graduating from Texas Kip began his graduate studies at Baylor University, where he coached both the co-ed and all-girl cheer teams. After receiving his master's degree in Sport Management he was hired by the Baylor Athletic Department as the Assistant Director of Spirit and Marketing in 2009. In this capacity he continued his role as the Head Cheer Coach for the Spirit Squads while also performing a wide range of duties for the marketing department. In addition to his time at Baylor and Texas Kip was a staff member for the Universal Cheerleaders Association from 2003 - 2011. As a UCA staff member Kip was awarded "Rookie of the Year" in 2003, and "Head Instructor of the Year" in both 2006 and 2009. Despite spending a few years in both Austin and Waco, Kip has grown to love OU and the Norman community. He is extremely proud to be a part of one of the most prestigious Athletic Departments in the nation, and hopes to contribute to the Oklahoma tradition of excellence. Boomer Sooner!
Melissa Thomas - Pom Coach
Melissa Thomas is beginning her sixth year as a Pom Coach at the University of Oklahoma. She was a member of the OU Pom Squad from 2001-2005, and was the Captain her senior year. She has had the privilege to be on the sideline at football national championships, bowl games and Final Four basketball appearances. She also danced on one of the top 10 teams in the country, and now has the wonderful opportunity to coach a top 5 team herself. Melissa is excited to be involved with one of the most excellent athletics departments in the nation. Melissa graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a bachelor's degree in Human Relations. She is married to Jay, and they enjoy spending time with family and friends.
Cody Westerhold - Assistant Spirit Coach
Cody Westerhold is beginning his second year as an assistant coach of the OU Spirit Squads. He was a member of the University of New Mexico Spirit Squad from 2003 to 2006. He has worked for Universal Cheerleaders Association for the past 8 years, teaching cheer camps in New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, and Pennsylvania. Along with teaching camps he has also worked at many regional and national competitions. He has coached high school and all-star cheerleading for the past 10 years, participated in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and has also performed in Trinidad and Tobago for World Cup soccer matches. Cody graduated from the University of New Mexico with a bachelor's degree in Business Administration.
Peggy Whaley - Athletic Camps Coordinator
Peggy Whaley, Athletic Camps Coordinator, oversees the summer Spirit Camps for University and other clinics and competitions. Peggy just finished her 24th year of managing the summer camps for the American Cheerleaders Association, National Cheerleaders Association, National Dance Alliance, Universal Cheerleaders Association, and Universal Dance Association. Peggy was the cheer coach for OU from 1995-1998. Peggy holds a BS in Business Administration and a MS in Education. She is married to Mike and they have a daughter, Mary Beth.
Jennifer Cornett - Junior Spirit Coordinator
This is Jennifer's third year as the Junior Spirit Coordinator. She was a member and Captain of the University of Oklahoma Pom Squad from 2001-2003. She had the privilege of cheering at several bowl games and Final Four appearances. She loves being part of an amazing Spirit Program and often helps when and where she is needed throughout the year. Jennifer transferred to OU from McLennan Community College in Waco, Texas where she was a member and Captain from 1999-2001. As Captain of the MCC Dance team they were awarded first place at the National Dance Alliance National Championship in 2001. She currently coaches at an area high school and teaches dance at a local studio. She graduated from the University of Oklahoma in 2004 with a bachelor of arts in Communications. Jennifer is married to Alan with two children Kenzie and Greyson.
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