Cate Schick, a former Duke University mascot, shared her unexpected journey to becoming the Blue Devil. Here’s her story ¹:
– *From High School Mascot to Duke’s Blue Devil*: Schick’s passion for school spirit started in high school, where she served as her school’s mascot. She mentioned her aspirations to be involved in school spirit, including becoming the first female Blue Devil, in her application essay to Duke.
– *The Audition Process*: After starting college, Schick forgot about her mascot dreams until a senior friend shared insights into the role. She then approached the coach and inquired about mascot tryouts for her sophomore year. The audition process was rigorous, requiring her to embody the Blue Devil’s persona, which includes traits like feistiness and confidence.
– *Life as the Blue Devil*: Schick spent years bringing energy and joy to Duke’s events, from football and basketball games to private functions and weddings. She had to keep her identity under wraps until graduation, but eventually revealed her stint as the Blue Devil in a viral TikTok video featuring memorable moments in the iconic costume.
– *Going Viral*: The video quickly gained traction, garnering over 2 million views and attracting praise from viewers, including professional sports teams. Schick’s journey showcases the transformative power of pursuing one’s passions and embracing unexpected opportunities.
The Blue Devil mascot has a rich history, dating back to 1925, when the name “The Blue Devils” was chosen by the staff of the student paper after naming contests focused on nicknames that leaned into Duke’s blue and white color scheme. The mascot’s role is to cheer on the team and get crowds fired up, with previous versions looking relatively mischievous, but the current look, introduced in 2008, is more playful ².
