Hempstead, New York — For four years, Hofstra University student-athlete Allison Reid lived a remarkable double life that almost no one knew about. While classmates recognized her as a dedicated runner on the school’s track and cross-country teams, few realized she was also the person behind one of the university’s most recognizable faces — Kate the Lioness.
The secret remained hidden until days before graduation, when Reid finally revealed the truth in a moment that quickly captured attention online.
Student-Athlete Kept Secret Identity Hidden for Years
Reid, a 22-year-old exercise physiology major from East Northport, spent her college years balancing academics, athletics and an unexpected second role as Hofstra’s mascot.
Despite regularly appearing at sporting events and campus activities in costume, she managed to keep her identity hidden from nearly everyone around her.
“My suitemates didn’t know, teammates didn’t know, and my coach didn’t know,” Reid said. “Nobody on campus knew.”
The challenge of maintaining two very different roles became one of the defining experiences of her college career.
As a member of the university’s track and cross-country teams, Reid had to carefully explain her absences from events without revealing the real reason.
“Fibbing to my teammates was the hardest part,” she said. “They would go to some of these games and events, and I would have to say why I couldn’t go.”
Graduation Reveal Leaves Friends Speechless
Reid’s carefully guarded secret finally came to light shortly before graduation through a video reveal that quickly gained attention.
The reaction from friends and teammates was immediate.
“I got a phone call from my team on FaceTime, and I picked up, and they’re screaming, ‘That was you?!’ ” Reid recalled.
She embraced the moment during graduation by decorating her cap with the words:
“Four years, one secret.”
Reid also wore Kate the Lioness’ oversized mascot sneakers while crossing the stage to receive her diploma.
“Then I did a little dance on stage,” she said.
The surprise earned enthusiastic applause from graduates, families and faculty members attending the ceremony.
Bringing School Spirit to Life
Although injuries limited some of her athletic participation during college, Reid found another way to contribute to campus life.
As Kate the Lioness, she attended sporting events, posed for photos, entertained children and helped energize crowds throughout the academic year.
She became known for her dedication to the role, often studying dance routines and learning new mascot performances.
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“The pep band even gave me a tambourine to start playing with them,” she said.
Reid also collaborated with mascots from professional and collegiate sports organizations, including the Islanders’ Sparky the Dragon and Mr. and Mrs. Met.
To improve her performances, she even downloaded TikTok specifically to learn new dances and crowd-engagement techniques.
Living a Double Life on Campus
Maintaining secrecy required careful planning and plenty of quick costume changes.
Reid often rushed between classes, track practice and mascot appearances without raising suspicion.
At one point, she even worked as an intern with Hofstra’s men’s lacrosse team while simultaneously serving as the mascot during games.
“I would go back and forth between being their student athletic trainer and Kate,” Reid recalled.
“Being Kate was just the best.”
The experience helped her develop time-management skills while creating memories she says she will never forget.
A Role That Changed Her College Experience
Ironically, Reid never expected to become a mascot at all.
She originally applied for what she thought would be a simple campus job during her freshman year.
“I was looking for a job on campus — nothing too big. This was the last thing I thought I would do,” she said.
What started as a part-time opportunity eventually became one of the most meaningful chapters of her college journey.
“I love doing it so much, and I enjoy putting smiles on people’s faces,” Reid said. “I would have done it even without pay.”
Now preparing to pursue a graduate degree at Hofstra, Reid says the unexpected role taught her the value of school spirit, community and bringing happiness to others.
What do you think about Allison Reid keeping this secret for four years? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
