DENTON, Texas (Aug. 21, 2017) - Texas Woman's University unveiled a new athletics mascot during faculty and staff Fall Assembly Monday.
 
The Pioneers, as university athletic teams are known, will soon be sporting a new mascot  — the "owl of Minerva" — that is as fierce as it is wise, just like the student-athletes wearing it.
 
Inspired by the statue of the Pioneer Woman on Texas Woman's Denton campus, lovingly dubbed "Minerva" by students, the "owl of Minerva" is the warrior-goddess's mythological companion. Steadfast and erudite, this sacred animal is the ideal representation of Texas Woman's student-athletes commitment to excellence in competition and in the classroom.
 
"The announcement of our new mascot and the launch of a new visual identity has been highly anticipated by our student-athletes and fans for a long time," Director of Athletics Chalese Connors said.  "TWU has never had an official mascot to go along with the nickname, Pioneers. Our owl is striking and fierce with a piercing look fixed on its goal. We want our students to be proud of this new brand and to look good in a modern design that inspires school spirit.
 
"We started this journey in the fall of 2015 when Neftali Gomez, our student regent at the time, proposed an initiative to find a mascot. We went through student focus groups, research with alumni, and meetings with the student-athletes. Mascot ideas ran the gamut but seemed to focus on animals. When the creative team at Commerce House developed the owl, the students' reaction was incredibly positive. I feel it is a perfect mascot for Texas Woman's University – strong, wise, extremely intelligent, and known to be territorial.  These definitely are characteristics of the Pioneers – we strive for academic excellence and we will always defend our house."
 
The Pioneers name will continue to be worn proudly, with variations of the owl mascot appearing on sports uniforms, equipment, facilities and an updated athletics website. The design of the owl's wings mimics the flares on the new Texas Woman's logo, further strengthening the bond between Pioneers fans and the university.
 
"The owl mascot is the culmination of an enthusiastic exploration initiated by our students and athletes, with subsequent input from university leaders," Chancellor Carine M. Feyten said. 
 
In addition to the graphic representation, the university is working toward a costumed mascot for live events, as well as cheers, chants and more to further drive competitive spirit.
 
TWU partnered with Commerce House, a Dallas-based integrated advertising agency, to develop a new visual identity, tagline and mascot.  Faculty, staff, students and alumni provided input through interviews and focus groups held from December 2016 to July 2017.
 
The owl mascot is the university's first official mascot in its 116-year history.
 

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