Miami announces addition of female mascot alongside Sebastian The Ibis

Miami‘s mascot, Sebastian the Ibis, has a new friend. On Thursday, the Hurricanes unveiled Sebastian’s new female counterpart.

While the university hasn’t revealed her name yet, the new mascot has a familiar look. Instead of donning a football jersey like Sebastian, the female mascot is wearing a cheerleader’s outfit, along with a bow on top of her head.

If she’s half as beloved as Sebastian, fans will see plenty more of her this year. Check out a picture of two together below:

There’s a new bird in town… 👀 pic.twitter.com/Sx01qmOOrn

— University of Miami (@univmiami) January 30, 2025

The new female mascot will have some work to do to become as iconic as Sebastian the Ibis. Sebastian was created in 1957 and has embodied Miami’s spirit ever since. Of course, Sebastian isn’t loved as much by non-Miami fans.

In December, Ashley Wenskoski of CNY Central tweeted during the fourth quarter of Miami’s 42-38 loss against Syracuse that Sebastian hit on her mid-game and asked for her number.

“Sebastian the Ibis (Miami’s mascot) just kneeled down and asked for my number mid-drive,” Wenskoski wrote on X. “Feels like he has bigger things to worry about with his team on the ropes in the 4th quarter at the Dome…but who am I to say.”

Evidently, it didn’t take long for Sebastian to move on from Wenskoski. Now, the fan-favorite Ibis will be joined by a female mascot next season.

New DC Corey Hetherman explains decision to join Miami

On Jan. 11, Miami hired Minnesota defensive coordinator Corey Hetherman to serve in the same role for the Hurricanes. During his introductory press conference, Hetherman explained his decision to join Miami.

“You know just looking at the opportunity to compete for a national championship,” Hetherman said. “What the program is what coach has done here, looking at the roster, I think I’m excited about the opportunity and what we can do.”

Miami is undoubtedly on the rise after posting a 10-2 the regular season and a 6-2 mark in conference play this past season. The Hurricanes were in the hunt for the College Football Playoff until the very end, ultimately finishing at No. 13 in the selection committee’s final CFP rankings.

While Miami had one of the most powerful offenses in the country, its defense often struggled to hold up its end of the bargain. Miami gave up 25.3 points per game in the 2024 campaign, ranking 68th in the country.

In comparison, under Hetherman’s guidance, Minnesota’s defense ranked ninth in the country, allowing just 16.9 points per game. It was Hetherman’s lone season as the Golden Gophers’ defensive play-caller.