My Life as the HokieBird

The moment I met the HokieBird changed my entire life.

My story starts back when I was moving my older brother into college at Virginia Tech.

I guarded his stuff on the sidewalk as my dad moved him into his dorm.

Suddenly, the HokieBird showed up.

The HokieBird messed around with me then carried my brother’s suitcase up three flights of stairs to his room.

I was 14 years old, so naturally, I was “too cool” for any of this.

But I saw how people laughed, smiled and reacted to the HokieBird.

I (secretly) thought that was the coolest thing ever.

For the next four years of high school, I chased a new dream. 

I wanted to be the HokieBird. 

Life in the suit

To become VT’s mascot, you need to learn how to dance, walk and (not) talk like the HokieBird. 

Fourteen students tried out freshman year. 

We spent a week learning a dance routine, preparing our own skits and interviewing for the role.

I was grateful for my athletic background to help me adjust to breathing and walking around in the heavy suit. I also learned to wear a bandanna to keep my hair from sticking to my face in sweat. 

My secret life as ‘our’ mascot had begun.

I was the HokieBird from April 1996 through July 1999, and my experience was even more magical, almost spiritual, than I could’ve ever imagined.

The HokieBird didn't make nearly as many appearances at sporting events as it does today.

We mostly attended football and men's and women's basketball games

Still, I had a blast. 

My favorite event was football. 

There’s nothing like the sound of a soldout Lane Stadium from the field.

I became a different person when I put on the suit.

You suddenly have these superpowers to make people happy.

 All without saying a word.

To be the HokieBird is to embrace joy and silliness.

The HokieBird is also a bit of a jokester, always playing pranks to make people laugh and cheer.

The fans at Virginia Tech are what make the HokieBird experience so special. 

They’re incredible, intelligent and focused on every sport. 

It’s easy to get a reaction from them, which makes for a really fun mascot experience.

Outside of the games in Blacksburg, one of my favorite memories being the HokieBird was rollerblading through a part of the state with the police department during the Special Olympics torch run. 

My dad was the police chief, so this was a very special moment for me.

But even though I loved my journey as the HokieBird, I never aspired to “go pro.” 

I didn’t want to be a lifetime mascot, I just wanted to be the HokieBird.

So, after I graduated, I set aside the suit and its stories…until now.

Writing my story

Throughout all my experiences after college, I’ve had a recurring thought.

I have a book in me.

After a tough season in my life, I was on a run, thinking about my story. 

What have I done that most people haven’t experienced?

Insert the HokieBird.

I thought about the questions people always ask me.

Is it hot in the suit? Yes, it wasn’t unusual to lose five pounds of water weight each football game.

How did you communicate with the fans if you can’t talk? The HokieBird’s actions and reactions to the fans spoke louder than words.

What did you learn about life through the eyes of the HokieBird? There. That was the deeper story.

My journey as the HokieBird was more meaningful than just making people smile.

In about 30 minutes, I outlined most of the chapters, as if the story was always there, just waiting to be told. 

Overcoming obstacles

Writing this book felt like writing a love letter to my Hokie people.

But I faced some challenges along the way.

I needed to obtain collegiate licensure and permissions to use the HokieBird and Virginia Tech branding.

When I applied for licensure, I was told it was a 12 to 15-week process, but it took 20 months.

People ask me if I ever considered quitting.

Absolutely.

It was a very lengthy process, but I understand why.

Virginia Tech wanted to make sure I was going to represent the HokieBird and my alma mater positively. 

Thankfully, I have two really good people in my life who are also Hokies, and my parents, who said “You didn’t start this journey to publish a generic book about being a mascot.” 

So, I persevered, and my book was published on Christmas night.

Looking back, the timing happened exactly as it was supposed to.

Inspiring others 

I often joke that I could almost write a sequel to my book just about the publishing process. 

But, I’m grateful people can finally go “behind the scenes” of my life as the HokieBird.

The HokieBird is all about joy, and I want people to experience that joy when they read my book.

And that goes for all of my readers.

I wrote this book with my daughters in mind.

I hope young women read this story and remember that what we tell ourselves matters.

Everyone’s dreams are valuable and possible; don’t compare yourself to another person’s journey. 

Most people don’t dream of becoming the HokieBird, but that has been one of the most special parts of my story. 

My days in the HokieBird suit may be over, but I’m still a Hokie at heart, and I’m forever grateful for my time at Virginia Tech.

Go Hokies!