May 09, 2026, Michaela Taylor
Before the crowd sees him, there’s a quiet shift. The suit goes on. The posture changes. And Brayden Hensley becomes Cocky. To fans, Cocky is all energy and antics. But inside the suit is a criminology and criminal justice major balancing school and a role that demands constant performance.
May 08, 2026, Michaela Taylor
You may know Cocky from game day at Williams-Brice, but some of his biggest fans sit on classroom floors, not stadium seats. Behind the yellow beak are two seniors who’ve been involved with Cocky's Reading Express for the last four years. Meet Walker Weaver and Emma Connelly.
May 08, 2025, Michaela Taylor
For most University of South Carolina students, Cocky is a symbol of school spirit synonymous with USC and complete with beak flaps, spurs up and fun game antics. But for seniors Nicole Hurley and John Sutay, the mascot means something more — it’s a defining part of their college experience, one they kept secret for years.
April 04, 2025, Michaela Taylor
To recognize their hard work and dedication of university staff, USC is hosting two special staff appreciation events during the week of May 19.
April 03, 2025, Michaela Taylor
The Golden Spur legacy lives on through two new campus dining destinations: The Spur in Campus Village and The Golden Spur at 650 Lincoln. These modern eateries draw inspiration from the original hotspot, blending Gamecock spirit with a fresh take on American fare.
May 04, 2024, Michaela Taylor
When Tramont Miles first read the email, he thought someone was pulling an April Fools' prank on him. It was April 1, 2022 and the email was telling him he was selected for one of the most undercover jobs at South Carolina.
March 15, 2024, Michaela Taylor
University of South Carolina staff are invited to the first Staff Appreciation and Awards Day on Tuesday, May 14.
November 30, 2023, Michaela Taylor
The Carolina Coliseum has housed championship basketball programs, career fairs, events and more. Now, it’s home to one of the most valuable resources on campus: The Gamecock CommUnity Shop.
July 25, 2023, Michaela Taylor
When Stan Papajohn first met with the faculty at the College of Pharmacy, he was a man ready to retire after 40 years in the world of retail pharmacy. The deal they struck was for Papajohn to come on as a part-time clinical instructor for “just a few years.” Now, 23 years after he agreed to come on board, Papajohn is officially hanging up the white coat.
May 06, 2023, Michaela Taylor
Sarah Sylvester and the Cocky persona have become incredibly close over her two-year stint as one of the most recognizable mascots in college sports.
March 08, 2023, Michaela Taylor
Poetry has been ingrained in Jennifer Bartell Boykin’s life since she was young, and it’s followed her through adventures as a student, journalist, teacher, advisor and more. Now, it’s empowering her as Columbia’s new poet laureate.
November 16, 2022, Michaela Taylor
A 30-foot tiger set ablaze could be the stuff of nightmares but for University of South Carolina students, it’s a typical Monday before Thanksgiving break.