Springfield College, located in Springfield, Massachusetts, has a beloved mascot that represents the spirit and values of the college. The mascot, known as "The Pride," is a fitting symbol for the school's athletic teams and the Springfield community as a whole. The Pride is a fierce and energetic lion who embodies the strength, determination, and pride of Springfield College. This mascot is an essential part of the college's identity and is a source of inspiration and motivation for students, alumni, and fans alike. The mascot can be seen at various sporting events throughout the year, rallying the crowd and showing support for the college's teams. The Pride's presence at these events helps boost team morale and fosters a sense of unity and pride among the Springfield College community.

Fast Facts

James Naismith invented the game of basketball at Springfield College in 1891 when he was a graduate student and instructor at the College, which was then known as the International YMCA Training School.

William G. Morgan

William G. Morgan, an 1894 graduate of Springfield College, then known as the International YMCA Training School, invented the game of volleyball in 1896 in nearby Holyoke, Mass., when he was serving as the physical director of the Holyoke YMCA.

Robert Roberts

Robert Roberts, an employee of Springfield College in 1887 while it was still known as the School for Christian Workers, was the individual who coined the phrase “body building” while authoring books on weight lifting, exercise, and bodybuilding.

David Allen Reed

David Allen Reed founded Springfield College in 1885. A Congregationalist minister who assisted evangelist and publisher Dwight Moody in religious revivals, Reed founded the tuition-free School for Christian Workers, at Winchester Square in Springfield, Mass., in 1885. The young minister was elected president and led the institution from 1885 to 1891. The school was dedicated to the training of Sunday School teachers, and included a Young Men’s Christian Association Department. Reed raised the funds to launch the school with its own building and, according to YMCA historian Howard Hopkins, “maintained it against great odds through its pioneer years.” Reed chose Robert Ross McBurney, who had strong YMCA connections, as vice president, and appointed Moody to the board.

Springfield College’s disassociation with offensive mascots

Springfield College has always abided by its Humanics philosophy, which students, faculty and staff have heard so many times – spirit, mind and body. Throughout the school’s history, however, the mascot has been in flux. Before Springfield settled on “Pride” in 1995, its mascot went by names such as the Stubby Christians, Indians, Gymnasts, Maroons and Chiefs.

The school adopted the name Chiefs in 1967, after it won a competition the previous year when the college decided it needed a better mascot than “Maroons.” However, because the term Chief did not encapsulate women’s sports, the women’s athletics teams continued to use the old name of Maroons.

The problem was, each of the names were insensitive to groups of people.

The term “Chiefs” – along with the mascot depicting a Native American – was offensive to the Native Americans and their culture and rituals. “Maroons” has roots that can be tied back to escaped slaves in the 16th century.

This was eventually brought to the attention of the President of the school at the time, Randolph Bromery. A council was formed at the end of the spring semester in 1993 to discuss the process of changing the name, with representatives from the student body, alumni, faculty, administrators, the athletic department and teacher-coaches.

One of the teacher-coaches was Kathleen Mangano, the Springfield College softball coach at the time, and a member of the graduating class of 1986.

“[The council] gathered a ton of data,” Mangano said. “We brought in a variety of different people to gather that historical data, and then there was an extensive survey that was administered to alums, students and everyone else on campus. Based on what we got back from the survey, we narrowed down potential names.”

The committee created a list of six different criteria that the new name had to meet. The name had to not be offensive to any particular group in regard to minority status or gender, represent the school and the school’s mission, represent both male and female athletes, be non-violent, allow the athletes and coaches to feel a sense of pride when referred to by the name, and it had to be appropriately symbolized.

Pride was one of the names that fit all the criteria, but it did not seem to resonate when students and alumni were polled about the name change.

The leader among both students and alums was “Pioneers,” with “Spirits” close behind. But ultimately, they didn’t fit as well as the Pride.

“Spirit would have focused on only one of the key components of our triangle,” Mangano said.

Pioneers seemed to have much more support from students and alums alike, and was the favorite in the surveys within the committee. It seemed like the school was destined to be called the Springfield Pioneers, but for some reason, it never came to fruition.

“I don’t know why Pioneers didn’t win out. The reason may have been creating a logo,” Mangano said. “The Pride allowed us to have a physical mascot. How do you have a Pioneer? What does the pioneer look like?”

When the Pride was announced, the school, including Bromery and former athletic director Edward Bilik, were prepared for the backlash from students and alumni, but only from one side of the group.

Because the men’s and women’s teams went by different names, the way they felt about change was drastically different.

“[The male student-athletes] took a lot of pride in being a Chief,” Mangano said.

Because of that, resistance to the name change was strong. Alumni sent emails condemning the school for succumbing to “political correctness,” students unenthusiastically showed up to rallies to raise morale for the name, and held their own protests outside President Bromery’s house on Alden Street demanding that the school change back to the Chiefs.

According to Mangano, the name change had a much more positive reception from the women’s sports teams.

“I don’t think I know one person in all my tenure as a student-athlete and as a teacher-coach here that was proud to be a maroon. From my lens, I can’t recall one person,” Mangano said. “When I used to coach, the scoreboard would say “Opponent: Maroons.” I was elated to see “Opponent: Pride:” when the scoreboard updated.”

One of the methods the school used to counteract the massive amount of support for the Chiefs was by trying to get the students to learn why it was being changed.

Springfield brought in Native American leader Vernon Bellecourt to educate the student body on why the term Chiefs or other Native American names were offensive. According to an old edition of The Springfield Student, Bellecourt visited campus in April 1997 for a discussion with a large group of students to inform them about Native American stereotypes, and use the situation as a teaching point for students.

It was successful in that regard, as the student push for the Chiefs to be reinstated fizzled out. A couple of months later, the Pride became the official long-term solution for the school’s mascot.

“[Administration] wanted [the students] to hear voices,” Mangano said. “They wanted to educate and help people understand, so bringing in a Native American to help them was important.

The Pride name is synonymous with Springfield College, and students can be seen sporting the name across their chests.

English professor Andrew Kozikowski, who played on the men’s soccer team during his time as an undergraduate student at Springfield College, said the love for the school has never wavered despite the name change.

“It’s not about the name. It’s about the people involved. It’s about the traditions and history of the school, and that hasn’t changed,” Kozikowski said. “My blood runs maroon and white. I still have a passion for the school, and it’s been 43 years since I graduated. The name hasn’t diminished [the love] for the school in any way.”

Springfield College was actually proactive in facilitating change, removing the Chiefs name before the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)’s decision to phase out names it considered offensive and hostile toward Native Americans in 2005.

This could be seen as self-satisfaction for the school, that they were ahead of the curve and identified the flaws within the name before a majority of the country did.

“Out of the respect for others, we were proactive,” Mangano said.

Kozikowski had a similar view on the change.

“I always think that it’s better to be proactive rather than reactive,” Kozikowski said. “I think it’s always better to be forward thinking, and I think that sort of exemplifies the beauty of the school in a way.”

In the end, it seems the name Pride has been a success, both as a representation of the school and also the athletic programs on campus.

Around campus, flags, signage and various gear showing the “Springfield College Pride” is so common, showing why Pride represents the school.

“I think that it symbolizes that we have a lot of Pride in who we are [as a school],” Mangano said. “Also, all the athletic programs have a tremendous amount of Pride in their programs.”

The Pride also unified the school in a way that no other name ever did.

With two mascots, there was not a real sense of bond between the men’s and women’s athletics teams like there is today, and one group being referred to as the Maroons and the other as the Chiefs certainly played a role in that divide.

“[It unified the school] in the sense that we weren’t two separate mascots anymore, the Maroons vs the Chiefs,” Mangano said. “We were all the Springfield College Pride.”

Photo Courtesy of Nick Pantages/The Student.

Springfield College History

Since 1885, we at Springfield College have had a singular focus on educating students—in spirit, mind, and body—for leadership in service to others. We call it our Humanics philosophy. The world has changed since 1885, and we have, too. New academic programs, renovations, construction, and other major developments have ensured that we remain relevant to today’s students and society. One thing that hasn’t changed is our Humanics focus.

That means that we place great emphasis on helping students grow their whole person, enter fields that help others, and serve as leaders in their communities, organizations, and companies, at home and around the world. Offering bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees, Springfield College is the best destination for those seeking a well-rounded education, strong academics, experiential learning opportunities, and active and fulfilling co-curricular and athletic involvement.

The Pride's presence at these events helps boost team morale and fosters a sense of unity and pride among the Springfield College community. In addition to sports events, The Pride also makes appearances at campus activities, orientations, and special events. The mascot serves as a friendly and approachable figure, engaging with students, faculty, and visitors, and creating a sense of belonging and camaraderie.

Logos and Seal

College Seal

The Springfield College seal includes the Luther Gulick triangle with the words “spirit,” “mind,” and “body” written within it. Within the triangle is the lamp of learning, and around the triangle is a circle that encloses the name of the institution and its founding year of 1885. The Luther Gulick triangle continues to represent the College and its Humanics philosophy of educating students in spirit, mind, and body for leadership in service to others.

Springfield College utilizes the seal for official business. For example, it’s imprinted on certain communications from the Office of the President, ceremonial documents, awards, and diplomas.

College Logo

The Springfield College logo, created in 2015, which includes the words “Springfield College” and an inverted triangle, exemplifies the College’s Humanics philosophy, which recognizes that an individual’s emotional, intellectual, and physical lives are interconnected. The inverted equilateral triangle utilized in the new logo dates back to former Springfield College faculty member Luther H. Gulick, a pioneer in physical education and recreation in the United States, who first introduced the symbol to the College in 1891.

Athletics Logo

Springfield College Athletics is represented by a block "S," which follows a storied tradition of the College utilizing numerous forms of this imagery for decades. The College chose to move forward with one consistent look that honors its history and uses two-toned coloring that helps Springfield College stand apart from other institutions.

The School for Christian Workers opens with 18 students. Tuition is free and meals cost about $3 per week. David Allen Reed, a Congregationalist minister, is the founder of the school, which was originally located at Winchester Square in Springfield, Mass.

“Body building” is coined by gymnasium department instructor Robert J. Roberts, considered the founder of the fitness movement. Roberts came to the college after a career at the Boston YMCA.

The triangle is born! Luther Halsey Gulick, former director of the physical education department and “father of physical education and recreation in the United States,” creates the Springfield College triangle emblem seen in our logo today (and now lovingly referred to as the Gulick Triangle).

College instructor and graduate student James Naismith invents “basket ball.” The first game is played between faculty and students at Springfield College, with students winning 5-1.

William Morgan, Class of 1894, invents volleyball at the Holyoke (Mass.) YMCA. Originally named mintonette, the game is renamed volleyball at an exhibition game at Springfield College.

William H.J. Beckett receives the first degree ever awarded by the College, a Bachelor of Humanics. Beckett is pictured in the center of the portrait, third row from the bottom.

Former U.S. President William Howard Taft speaks at the dedication of Marsh Memorial Library, now home to the Office of the President.

Springfield College receives the Olympic Cup from the International Olympic Committee for “merit and integrity, contribution to the progress of athletics, and clean sport.” We’re the only college to receive this honor.

Stepping Up Day—formerly called Decapitation Day, or the day when freshmen no longer had to wear their beanies—begins as a tradition.

Peter Karpovich, MD, joins the faculty. Karpovich becomes an internationally respected exercise physiologist, scholar, and researcher. Many of his philosophies still influence the development of our exercise physiology programs.

Father of Modern Dance in the United States Ted Shawn H’36 teaches at Springfield College and forms the first all-male dance group, comprised of Springfield College students. The group founds Jacob’s Pillow, located in Becket, Mass., and tours the United States.

Springfield College officially becomes Springfield College. Names of the College have included School for Christian Workers (1885), YMCA Training School (1890), International YMCA Training School (1891), International YMCA College (1912), and finally, Springfield College.

Springfield College earns international recognition in a Jan. 23 Life magazine article, “Men of Muscle: From Springfield College Come Physical Directors for the Nation.”

Irving Conrad, then president of the Student Government Association, creates Sti-Yu-Ka, a celebration each spring that celebrates the end of the academic year. The greased pole climb is a tradition that continues as part of the celebrations today.

The James Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame opens on the campus. The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame has since moved to downtown Springfield.

Springfield College is prominently featured in the Dec. 2 issue of Sports Illustrated as a school that “is making an unequaled contribution to American sports.”

Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. gives the commencement address and receives an honorary Doctor of Humanics on June 14, despite outside attempts to persuade the College to rescind its invitation to King.

Title IX is enacted on June 23. Congressional testimony is given by faculty member Mimi Murray ’61, G’67.

Tom Waddell, MD, ‘59 founds the Gay Games, a quadrennial arts and athletic event open to anyone who would like to participate. This happens 14 years after Waddell competes in the decathlon for the United States at the Olympics in Mexico City.

Springfield College chemistry professors Chun-Kwun Wun and Frank Torre help develop a rapid test that can detect killer E. coli bacteria before tainted food, such as a hamburger, leaves the warehouse on its way to consumers.

A tornado tears through campus on June 1, destroying many trees and International Hall, a residence hall on campus. Campus is quickly brought back to life and International Hall is fully restored to working order before students come back to campus in September.

The new Learning Commons will open on the campus and serve as an educational hub for students. With resources combined from the library, Academic Success Center, and Internet Technology Solutions, students will be able to access whatever they need academically in a technologically advanced—and beautiful—facility.

The selection of a lion as the college mascot is no accident. Lions are known for their leadership qualities, courage, and strength. These characteristics align perfectly with Springfield College's mission to develop leaders who are committed to serving their communities and making a positive impact in the world. The Pride is not only a symbol of athletic excellence but also represents the values of compassion, integrity, and respect that are deeply ingrained in the Springfield College community. The mascot is a constant reminder of the importance of embodying these values in all aspects of life. Overall, The Pride is more than just a mascot; it is a representation of the spirit and pride that defines Springfield College. It is a unifying force that brings together students, faculty, alumni, and fans, fostering a sense of community and belonging. The Pride's presence at athletic events and other campus activities is a source of inspiration and motivation, helping to create a memorable and enjoyable college experience for all..

Reviews for "From Concept to Reality: The Creation of the Springfield College Mascot Costume"

- John - 2/5 - I was really disappointed with the Springfield college mascot. The design was lackluster and uninspiring. It didn't capture the spirit or essence of the college at all. Additionally, the mascot's movements were stiff and robotic, making it difficult to get excited during games or events. Overall, I expected more creativity and energy from the mascot, and unfortunately, it failed to meet my expectations.

- Emily - 1/5 - I have to say, the Springfield college mascot is one of the worst I've ever seen. The costume looks cheaply made, and the colors are not appealing at all. The movements and actions of the mascot are awkward and clumsy, and it's hard to even understand what it's trying to represent. It just seems like a last-minute add-on rather than a well-thought-out part of the college's branding. I definitely think Springfield College should reconsider their mascot design.

- Alex - 2/5 - Honestly, the Springfield college mascot needs a major upgrade. The costume looks worn out and outdated. It lacks the excitement and energy that mascots should bring to sports events or campus activities. It's hard to get hyped up when the mascot looks like it's barely going through the motions. I believe the college should invest in a more vibrant and impactful mascot that truly represents the school's spirit.

The Springfield College Mascot: Its Importance in Boosting School Pride