LARA DOMINIQUE SOLANTE / ASST. FEATURE EDITOR

Diego Torero is the enthusiastic bullfighter adorned in blue at most major USD events and athletic functions. Diego signifies courage, honor and fidelity. He instills a sense of excitement in the fans he interacts with. He plays a major part in USD’s school spirit by starting chants at games and engaging with fans and families at the school.  Many students have  wondered, “Who is the person behind the mask?” Students who have taken on the role of Diego Torero shared how the experience has impacted them.

Abby Dohoney, a USD sophomore from Massachusetts, assumed the role of Diego Torero in the fall of 2023. She shared the process of becoming the school’s mascot.

“[The dance team] posted on their Instagram that they were looking for someone to audition, and I filled out a form that had me explain why I wanted to do it. Come time for the audition, I was scheduled to work [elsewhere], so I was a no-show for the audition. I think no one else showed up, so they called me and said, ‘Will you send a video of you doing this pre-choreographed dance routine and a video of you pretending to hype up a crowd? And we’ll see if you’re a good fit,’” Dohoney said.

She learned the dance routine in her room, and her roommates filmed it for her. Dressed in all USD merch, she also filmed a video of herself pretending to hype up a crowd and sent it to the dance team. Shortly after, Dohoney was seamlessly welcomed as the new Diego Torero and was asked to come  and try on the costume. She also  explained her intentions for  becoming the school’s mascot.

“The reason I started doing it was because I was disappointed with USD’s lack of support for athletics here. Two of my roommates are on the swim and dive team, and I was a three-sport athlete in high school. I love USD, it was the best decision I ever made coming here, but the one thing it’s lacking is its [student] support for its athletics. At least I can get my friends to come, and I think it gets people hyped up and more excited.”

Dohoney also shared that engaging with  the fans and students was her favorite part of being Diego. Although she is not active as  the  mascot  anymore, her stint  as  the  bullfighter  still remains as one of the most memorable college experiences for her.

“Easily my best moment was at the football Homecoming  game when I got to do a choreographed dance with the dance  team. I pretended to linger in the corner and hype them up, and then I ran out  and was a  part of  the  dance too. It  was so much  fun,” Dohoney said.

This spring 2024 semester, someone else stepped in as Diego Torero. The mascot was under management from the dance team, and when the Bull Pit took over management, someone else took on the role. Ruby Law, a USD first-year, shared her experience with recruitment for the mascot. 

“[The Bull Pit] was in need of [Diego Torero] for a specific event, and I said I could do it. I talked to the head of marketing and athletics, because I’m a part of Bull Pit, and told him I could. When I did it, I loved it. Anytime they needed Diego, I was there.”

Law shared her experience engaging with the fans as the bullfighter.

“I love engaging with fans. I think it’s the most fun to engage with the kids around. A lot of them will come up and give me a hug, or want a picture. I love doing that. During the game, I love starting cheers for the student section. I can’t talk [while  portraying  Diego], but I can do the moves and I can tell people to stand up,” Law said.

She also took on the role as Diego for the Alcalá Bazaar in the spring, which she explained was her first time in the suit and her favorite moment as Diego so far. It seemed to get many of the students engaged; Law loved going through all the booths and taking pictures with everyone. 

“Everyone was just really excited to see Diego, after a long time of not seeing him through all of intercession and the end of the fall semester.”

Both Law and Dohoney shared the same sentiment in what seemed to be the most difficult part about playing Diego.

“I would say the heat is the hardest part. It makes me feel a little sick sometimes. I have to take a break, then it’s really hard to get back in the suit after I come out of it. Overall, I think it’s fun, so I don’t mind it,” Law shared. 

Despite these obstacles, Law was able to find a sense of inspiration and confidence in playing Diego Torero.

“This sounds weird, but I feel like I can take  down  my filter, when I’m Diego because no one knows it’s me, and the mascot is supposed to be goofy and out there. I really like it because I think it gives me confidence outside of the suit because I get used to being that animated inside of the suit and it translates to real life,” Law said.

Diego Torero plays a vital role in the school’s energy at games and events. The students behind the mask provide the community with a figure to  look up to and share their excitement with. These students give their all every time they  suit up, and USD’s school spirit would not be the same without Diego Torero and their efforts.

Behind the mask of Diego Torero are students who work hard to drum up school spirit.  

Behind the mask of Diego Torero are students who work hard to drum up school spirit.  Photo courtesy of @usdbullpit/Instagram