Bridgeport’s Rachel Morgan among Four Finalists Set to Don Coonskin Cap as 71st Mountaineer Mascot
Selected by a committee of faculty, staff and students based on an essay and interview, the finalists will be judged on their performances and interactions with the crowd as they lead traditional game cheers.
The 2025-26 Mountaineer mascot finalists are:
“It would be such an honor to represent the University and state that has pushed me to be the person I am today and constantly strive to be,” Morgan said. “When I look at the Mountaineer mascot, not only do I see passion and grit, but also the love for a state that I share with so many. The opportunity to embody this love as the next Mountaineer mascot would be a wonderful experience.”
“I look forward to another opportunity to share my passion and enthusiasm while listening to the great stories that every small town in West Virginia has to tell,” Dillie said. “The hardworking people of this state demonstrate grit and determination in every facet of their lives, and I am excited to represent the admirable people and qualities of this state and University as the Mountaineer mascot.”
“At WVU, we climb mountains for adventure, for sport, and figuratively in the pursuit of bettering our University and state,” Kincaid said. “As a result, I have accomplished great things both professionally and recreationally, and I can’t think of a better way to give back to WVU and the Mountain State than serving as the next Mountaineer mascot.”
The selection committee will announce the winner during the WVU men’s basketball game versus UCF on March 8. Tipoff is scheduled for 5 p.m. at the Coliseum.