Submitted photo: Fort Dodge teacher and coach Mason Gotto (holding the award in the middle) poses with her Dodger cheerleaders after winning a state sportsmanship award.

Mason Gotto experienced plenty of success as a cheerleader at both Fort Dodge Senior High and the University of Northern Iowa.

When Gotto became the Dodgers’ head cheer coach last year, she was of course motivated to carry the program’s tradition of excellence into the future.

Achievement wasn’t going to come at the expense or sacrifice of character, though.

Gotto and her squad recently received recognition as a 2022-23 state of Iowa coach/team of the year for sportsmanship. The Dodgers were nominated by Ames head coach Dana Logan, and honored during the Iowa Cheer Coaches Association’s annual spring conference.

“Mason and her team displayed exceptional sportsmanship when hosting the Ames cheerleaders for a football game this past fall, and that is a direct result of Mason’s leadership,” Logan stated in the banquet’s program. “Prior to the kick off, Mason brought her cheerleaders around the track to welcome Ames to their field, providing cookies from a local bakery. The teams chatted about the upcoming state competition, and remembered that Mason had worked with some of the Ames cheerleaders in her previous job with Jump and Jam. She remembered them by name and they were happy to make that connection.

“Mason emphasized good sportsmanship in just her first year as a head coach and will continue to build that program in the years to come.”

Fort Dodge won Class 4A state championships in Competition, Timeout and Five-Man Stunt during Gotto’s time as a Dodger. The trophies are important to the 2017 FDSH graduate, but there is also a much bigger picture in mind now that she’s in charge.

“As a coach, it’s important to see our athletes first as humans and as kids,” said Gotto, a former Dodger and UNI team captain. “The lessons that are important to our program are the lessons that will enable our athletes to be successful people and foster a successful life. These life lessons include responsibility, integrity, and leadership, all of which are upheld with high expectations of communication, honesty, teamwork, and perseverance.

“When I think with the end in mind, the goal I have for this program is to create an environment that fosters high expectations, offers a sense of family, and upholds Dodger tradition, all of which I believe will enable our athletes to perform at high levels.”

Gotto blends her own style with that of her former Dodger coaches and predecessors.

“In my years at FDSH, cheerleading subconsciously molded me into the confident leader I am today,” Gotto said. “The expectations that Coach KC (Williams) and Juli (Springer) upheld were high, and I was pushed to be a better athlete and a better person. This resulted in Fort Dodge Cheerleading being recognized as one of the top teams in the state.

“Our program has endured many changes, and includes athletes that have also endured many changes and differing expectations. It has been our priority to ensure we meet all athletes where they are when they walk through the door and provide them with a consistent safe space to be themselves. We actively use positive praise, compliment cards, team building activities, and conversation starters with a simple offer of a listening ear. We must remember that our athletes are kids first, and we must be able to flexibly teach and coach to ensure they are successful. Truly understanding our athletes as people and kids first has increased performance and effort within our practices.”

Gotto is the first to admit it takes a village to both encourage and grow her program.

“(Assistant) Avery Ramirez does a great job building relationships with our athletes and being someone personable to relate to,” Gotto said. “(Assistant) Tielyr Clabaugh’s work is seemingly effortless behind the scenes, to ensure the preparation of practices and events are able to be carried out successfully. These individuals model high expectations and consistency to ensure our athletes are successful.

“I also want to thank the FDSH administration and community. The Senior High Administration team has given a listening ear, wise advice, and constant guidance and support.”

Gotto also knows her vision will be backed by the caring people of Fort Dodge, in much the same way it was when she cheered for the Dodgers.

“Our district and community both consistently give our athletes opportunities to be involved and make an impact on the lives that are around them,” Gotto said. “Our community also goes above and beyond by supporting our athletes, whether it’s fundraising, supporting events that we host, and cheering loud with us on game day.

“The families of our athletes have experienced many changes as well throughout the years. Their flexibility, patience, support and, most importantly, the grace they have given me as a first-year coach has been admirable. Sincerely, I couldn’t do it without this amazing support system.”