Loading

Dear Atlanta Dream Fans The Mascots' Tribune

Dear Atlanta Dream Fans,

Walking away is never easy.

There are certain feelings, certain emotions that come along with being a mascot. Certain experiences that will never leave you.

The roar of the crowd the minute you lead the team out of the tunnel.

That first hug you give a smiling kid on the concourse that brings them to tears.

Hyping up a crowd late in the fourth quarter with the game on the line.

Dumping a full bag of popcorn on a fan's head while they are in the middle of a serious conversation.

Swiping chairs from kids trying to beat each other in a game of musical chairs.

And soaking up a victory at center court with the fans chanting in my direction.

This wasn’t an easy decision to step away. Twelve seasons is a long time for any mascot to energize a fan base. Being the Dream’s biggest fan is all I’ve ever known, it’s all I have ever been.

From being hatched at the Atlanta Zoo to seeing a new brand grace the city of Atlanta. The Dream has always been the biggest part of me. And it always will be.

We danced our way to three WNBA Finals and eight playoff appearances in my time courtside. In some ways, I know the team couldn’t have done it without me.

I kept you smiling through some down years and it made me love my role with this franchise even more.

But now, it is time to fly the coup. It is time to try something new. As fitting as the name I was given, It is time to shoot this STAR in to the great unknown.

Things have begun to break down. It is not as easy as it once was walking up and down stairs at the arena. My feathers are beginning to fade. My wings don’t work like they used to. Dunking is a thing of the past for me. And I just can’t get up for three games in six days like I once could.

What’s next for me? Who knows. But I know that this isn’t goodbye, it’s just see y’all soon.

And please don’t fret Dream fans. I have been grooming my replacement for a while now and you will NOT be disappointed. This new heart of the Dream will keep you laughing as we chase a championship in 2020 and beyond.

You may see me at a few events over the next couple of weeks until our new friend gets up and running.

Love you forever!

STAR

Credits:

Atlanta Dream