**The Unmasking of a Legend: Grace Pohl Reveals Herself as UT Austin’s Beloved Mascot ‘Hook ‘Em’**
For four years, the University of Texas at Austin’s spirited mascot, “Hook ‘Em,” charged up crowds at football games, basketball matches, and campus events, embodying the fiery energy of the Longhorns. The person behind the iconic longhorn headgear remained a mystery—until graduation day, when Grace Pohl stunned her classmates by removing the mascot head and revealing herself as the woman who had been rallying the university in secret.
In an emotional conversation with Will Cain, Pohl shared what it was like to live a double life—balancing the demands of school, friendships, and the unrelenting spirit of Texas pride—all while keeping her identity hidden. Her story is one of dedication, passion, and the bittersweet moment of finally stepping into the light.
### **The Secret Life of a Mascot**
Being a college mascot is no easy task. It requires boundless energy, a love for performance, and the ability to engage thousands of fans without ever speaking a word. For Pohl, the role was a dream come true—but it also meant sacrificing personal recognition.
“People would high-five me at games, take pictures with me, and cheer when I came into the room, but they had no idea who I was,” Pohl told Cain. “I loved being the energy in the room, but there was also this strange loneliness to it. I was right there in front of everyone, yet completely anonymous.”
She described the physical toll of wearing the heavy mascot head, especially during Texas’ scorching football games. “You’re sweating, your vision is limited, and you have to be ‘on’ the entire time,” she said. “But the second you hear the crowd roar, none of that matters. You’re there for them.”
### **The Big Reveal**
Pohl’s graduation day was the moment she had both eagerly anticipated and deeply feared. The tradition at UT Austin allows the mascot to walk across the stage in full gear before removing the head to reveal their identity—a moment met with shock and cheers from the crowd.
“I was shaking,” Pohl admitted. “For four years, I had been this larger-than-life character. What if people were disappointed? What if they expected someone else?”
But as she lifted off the headgear, the eruption of applause from her classmates confirmed what she had always hoped—that her spirit and dedication had resonated far beyond the costume.
“Seeing everyone’s reactions, hearing my friends scream—it was surreal,” she said. “I wasn’t just ‘Hook ‘Em’ anymore. I was Grace. And they finally knew.”
### **The Legacy of a Hidden Hero**
Pohl’s story is more than just a fun reveal—it’s a testament to the unsung heroes of college spirit. Mascots are the heartbeat of a university’s culture, yet they rarely receive personal recognition for their tireless work.
“I didn’t do it for fame,” Pohl emphasized. “I did it because I love this school. I love the tradition, the fans, the feeling of being part of something bigger than myself.”
Now that her identity is out in the open, Pohl looks back on her time as “Hook ‘Em” with pride. She hopes her story inspires others to embrace roles that require selflessness—whether in sports, leadership, or everyday life.
“Sometimes, the most impactful people are the ones you don’t even notice,” she said. “But that’s what makes it special. You’re not doing it for credit. You’re doing it because it matters.”
As for the next student who dons the longhorn headgear, Pohl has one piece of advice: “Enjoy every second. It goes by faster than you think.”
And with that, Grace Pohl—no longer hidden, no longer anonymous—steps forward as a true Longhorn legend.
