Identities Revealed: Collegiate Mascots Often Maintain Secrecy, even After Graduation
SAN DIEGO – The tradition of maintaining anonymity for college mascots extends beyond game day, with performers often concealing thier identities from all but a select few-sometimes even after graduation. A recent wave of reveals, including former University of South Carolina mascot Nicole hurley and university of Miami’s Carlos Polanco-Zaccardi, has shed light on the lengths to which these performers go to protect the mystique of their roles.
Jeff Birdsell, a communications professor at Point Loma Nazarene University and a veteran of mascot performance himself-having portrayed Point Loma’s mascot, as well as characters for minor-league baseball, NBA G League, and indoor soccer-explained the practice. “Some programs value secrecy so highly that multiple performers report to the stadium, but only learn in the moment who will actually be suiting up,” he said. He also noted some schools intentionally keep performers anonymous for a dramatic reveal at graduation ceremonies.
Hurley publicly revealed herself as “Cocky” during South Carolina’s spring commencement, appearing in her cap, gown, and mascot feet. “When I walked across the stage, I felt so much joy. The whole arena started to clap and cheer, and it made me emotional,” said Hurley, a pediatric hematology oncology nurse in Charleston, South Carolina. She kept her identity secret from all but her roommates and parents, balancing performances at events like weddings and sporting victories-including rushing the floor after a 2023 men’s basketball win at Kentucky-with a complex web of excuses. “There were countless moments that I had to change into my suit in my car,pretty much lie to every person about how I worked a job in athletics and created excuses when I was not free on the weekends due to working private events,” Hurley recounted.
Polanco-Zaccardi,who performed as Sebastian the Ibis for the University of Miami,similarly maintained a tight circle of confidants. He transported his costume in a large duffel bag and offered fabricated explanations to curious peers. “For my friends, I told them that I was one of the party performers on stilts that perform at weddings, bar mitzvahs and birthday parties,” he said.
Birdsell emphasized that collegiate mascots are almost always students. He added that the path to landing the role varies, recalling his own start after gaining a reputation as an enthusiastic “loudmouthed superfan” at a smaller school.
The dedication to the role often extends far beyond the costume, as evidenced by Scott Ferry, a Michigan State university “Sparty” alum and frequent tailgate attendee.”The spirit of the university is critical,” Ferry said. ”We don’t wont to just be an individual. We want to be the icon of the university at all times.” He now owns and operates a farm and meat-processing facility an hour south of campus.
