I, Hannah Thomas, should be the first female leprechaun to walk Notre Dame’s grounds. All drama aside, has anybody wondered why there has not been a female leprechaun? That is pretty much all I think about day and night.
I would like to address the fact that I have red hair, freckles, blue eyes and I am average height, some may even say “short.” While that is not mandatory, I still think this would be a plus for the job. I understand that I would need to perfect my school spirit, but that can come with practice. I have been thinking about this for some time now, but I do not know how to even try out. I would love to be able to understand the process and practice until I am up to the leprechaun standards. Also, if I am going to be picky about it, the basketball leprechaun would be an ideal scenario in case anybody asks.
In all seriousness, I am curious as to why there have not been any female leprechauns yet. I am wondering if tryouts should be more accessible for students, or if other people, especially women, do not see themselves as a viable option. I am also wondering if the student body would be accepting of a female mascot. There are underlying issues present in this seemingly unimportant topic. Growing up going to Notre Dame sporting events, I always wanted to have as much fun as the leprechaun. Once I started school, I would search and search to try out. But alas, no luck. Maybe information has been hiding in plain sight, the world may never know. Even if the opportunity has been present, I still wonder why no female leprechauns have come before. I hope I am not the only one thinking our sideline experience for all the fans would have an added dynamic to an already fantastic team of leprechauns.
I would love to be able to have a blast on the sidelines making sure all spectators are having as much fun as I would be. Supporting the team members and exciting the crowd through the wins and losses would be a great experience! I think my spryness and aura would make for an overall energetic fan experience.
My hope is to give everybody some food for thought knowing that some topics should be talked about. Some aspects that are overlooked — like the leprechaun being male dominated — may seem insignificant. However, someone, somewhere (that someone somewhere being me) may toss and turn day and night longing for the opportunity for this beloved position.
LepreCOUNT me in
The views expressed in this column are those of the author and not necessarily those of The Observer.