Allison Reid lived secret double life at Hofstra as runner — and mascot
Allison Reid, a recent Hofstra University graduate, revealed her secret double life as the school's mascot, Kate the Lioness. For four years, she balanced her role as a student-athlete on the track and cross country teams while entertaining fans in costume. Her surprising announcement at graduation garnered widespread attention and applause from her peers and family.
- ▪Allison Reid was a member of Hofstra's track and cross country teams while also serving as the school's mascot.
- ▪She kept her identity as Kate the Lioness a secret from her teammates, suitemates, and even her coach.
- ▪Reid revealed her secret during her graduation ceremony, where she wore Kate's plush sneakers and decorated her cap with a special message.
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Sports Allison Reid lived secret double life at Hofstra as runner — and mascot By Alex Mitchell Published May 29, 2026, 12:07 a.m. ET See more of our coverage in your search results. Add The New York Post on Google Allison Reid is great at lion. She may have been on Hofstra University’s track and cross country team, but it’s been Reid’s sworn secret that’s really kept the 22-year-old on her toes the past four years. The East Northport runner lived a covert double life as the school’s mascot, Kate the Lioness, and was the first student-athlete to do so in decades — if ever. “My suitemates didn’t know, teammates didn’t know, and my coach didn’t know,” Reid told The Post days after graduation.
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