WESTERVILLE, Ohio – The Otterbein University cheerleading program is pleased to welcome Ruth Ann Shuster as its next head coach, announced this week by new Director of Athletics (Greg Lott) following a recent search.

Shuster comes to Otterbein after spending the last five years in the same role at nearby Ohio Wesleyan University.

"I am really excited to continue working with young adults that want to further their abilities," Shuster said. "I hope to add to the leadership and traditions already in place, while also helping start some of my own. Cheerleading has been my life and identity… anyone that knows me can attest to that. The goal will always be helping them reach their next level and go where they want to be."

Shuster has an extensive resume in the cheerleading world of Central Ohio. She is the owner/coach of United by SHC after founding the organization back in 1992, and served as varsity cheer coach at Big Walnut High School from 1994-98.

Also a member of the National Alliance for Youth Sports and U.S All Star Federations (USASF) for cheer and dance, Shuster was a coach for the Big Walnut Youth Athletic Association spanning 30 years. She was inducted into the Buckeye All-Star Cheer Hall of Fame in 2019.

Ruth, who works as a full-time mail carrier in Sunbury, and her husband Gary have been married for 31 years. The couple has three children – sons Trevor and Tyler, along with a daughter (Tara) who just began her first year at Otterbein.