National Collegiate Athletic Association

NCAA News Archive - 2010

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Apr 8, 2010 8:16:16 AM

William and Mary recently announced that the mythical griffin will represent the university's athletics department as its new mascot. The griffin, which has the head of an eagle and the body of a lion, was introduced the mascot at a campus-wide event on April 6.

"The Griffin has joined the Tribe," said William and Mary President Taylor Reveley. "With its arrival, we now have a mascot that unites strength with intelligence, recalls our royal origins and speaks to our deep roots in American history."

The choice was the result of a recommendation from a mascot search committee, composed of alumni, students, faculty and staff. Five finalists (including the King and Queen, the Phoenix, a Pug and the Wren) were announced late last year, and the public provided feedback through a survey, Web site and social media.

Athletics Director Terry Driscoll, who headed the committee, said the group looked for a symbol that was as "compelling and unique" as the school itself. The new mascot also links the history of the United States and Great Britain. The eagle is the national symbol of the U.S., and the lion represents the English monarchy. William and Mary was established by King William III and Queen Mary II in 1693.

The university will retain the Tribe nickname.