Mascots! The epitome of school spirit. The personification of team pride. They bring an unmatched playful energy that any true fan can appreciate. They embody the excitement of a game or a live event. Mascots make us smile, persuade us to dance, and they can be pretty darn mysterious too (who is inside those costumes anyway?!).
Did you know that the word mascot originates from the French word mascotte, meaning lucky charm?
It’s said that one of the first mascots in the sports world was a young boy named Chic. He ran errands for baseball players and became a good luck charm for that local athletic community.
According to The Culture Crush, “it was exactly those so-called good luck charm qualities and maybe a little superstition that laid the foundation for what have become the goofy, beloved, and mostly infamous mascots of both pro and amateur sports teams all over modern day America.”
Ever since the 1800s, mascots have become an unforgettable part of home games, pep rallies, and silly brand videos that make some fans cringe and others beam with delight.
It’s hard not to love a good mascot. In honor of our love and admiration for college sports, and as a shout-out to the many beloved mascots getting in their steps this time of year, we’re celebrating campuses whose mascots embody their #SchoolSpirit!.
We asked the PhotoShelter for Brands Creative Slack community, made up of over 1700 creatives, photographers, marketers and more to tell us about their high school or college mascots. They made their voices heard!
Check out this great gathering of mascots below and see some fun mascot moments you might’ve missed on social media…
10+ College and University Mascots Who Are The Real MVPs
One of the best trends for school mascots and fan engagement is getting them more involved with the university’s social media. Taking visual storytelling to the next level, humanizing the mascot, and adding a little humor to the mix makes for great social media content.
We commend all mascots in all their forms. As traditions transform over time, it’s always special paying homage to the ones who pave the way.
Related content: Utah Valley University’s Drive-In Commencement and Convocation
When creative teams get extra creative on the holidays… Mascots are perfect for a punchline.
You’re up!
We want to hear about the mascots you know, you love, or the ones that inspire your fandom and your creativity! Whether it was your high school, your alma mater, or maybe even your current job, we want to celebrate more magical mascot moments.
Tag us on Twitter (@psforbrands) and share a photo or video of your team’s mascot!
