SEWARD, Neb. – Just ahead of the start of the academic year, Concordia University, Nebraska Athletics has announced the hiring of Emma Ongtangco as Head Competitive Cheer Coach. Ongtangco officially began her role with the Bulldogs on Monday, Aug. 17. Emma is the wife of Concordia Assistant Women’s Basketball Coach Vince Ongtangco.
Emma Ongtangco describes her approach as relationship-focused with an emphasis on service to Christ and others in all aspects of life. Ongtangco is the third head coach during the competition era of Concordia Cheer. Mandi Maser continues to serve as Competitive Spirit Coordinator and Head Competitive Dance Coach.
Says Ongtangco of the opportunity, “I am incredibly excited for the opportunity to pour into student-athletes and help them grow in their love for the sport of cheerleading. I want to build an excellent program with high standards where athletes are excited to belong, grow in their skills, and become who God created them to be. Team culture is a huge priority for me. My vision for this program is of course excellence on the sidelines and competition mat, but it goes beyond what is accomplished there. I want this team to leave everyone they encounter -- teammates, classmates, staff, family, and members of the community -- better than they found them.”
Stated Director of Athletics Devin Smith, “I’m thrilled for our student-athletes and staff that Emma is joining the Bulldog Nation. There is no doubt she is a servant leader and will elevate our program to new heights on the sideline and during competition. She has a heart for Jesus and possesses leadership experience in many areas of student engagement. CUNE Athletics is blessed to have her on board.”
Ongtangco most recently served as Admissions Communications Specialist and Ambassador Program Coordinator at her alma mater, Midland University. She also worked in many other roles at Midland during her undergraduate career, including Student Hall Director, Senior Ambassador, Resident Advisor and Social Media Intern.
Additionally, Ongtangco showcased her talents as a Midland cheerleader in the school’s game day cheer program. She served as game day co-captain while helping collaborate with teammates to execute synchronized routines and to promote sideline unity. As a student-athlete, Ongtangco represented the GPAC as an NAIA ASA member, advocating for student-athlete needs and providing input to enhance the collegiate experience. She also served as the Midland cheer team’s representative on the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.
An energetic and engaging personality, Ongtangco was named homecoming queen both in high school and college. As a student, she garnered numerous academic awards having been named to the President’s List and Dean’s List at Midland. Ongtangco has also been active within her church and local communities. She is native of Kansas City, Kansas.
Added Emma, “I feel incredibly honored and grateful to be joining the Bulldog family. I’m especially thankful to (administrators) Devin, Angela (Muller), Levi (Calhoun) and (Coach Mandi) Mandi for their trust in me and their support as I step into this role. I also want to give a huge shoutout to my husband, Vince, for going on this journey with me.”