Ellie de Olifant is not only the mascot of the New York Liberty – she is a movement.
From her energetic dance movements to her striking way, Ellie represents everything that the Liberty stands for: trust, style and the spirit of New York City. (View the full interview above.)
“Ellie is an example of who we are as a team. Of course she is our mascot, but I think she’s more than that. I think she’s embodiment to New York,” Sabrina Ionescu, point guard for the Liberty, told Huffpost.
And the team agrees: Ellie sets the bar higher for what a mascot can be.
“Ellie is not only the best mascot in the competition – [she’s] The best mascot in all sports history, “said Kennedy Burke, a guard for the Liberty.
Ellie’s impact extends far beyond the game day. In 2024 she could be seen in more than 200 stories, with spotlights in Fashion And Billboardand even decorated the coverage of Time Out New York. She also wrote history as the first professional sports mascot who has her own float in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Ellie’s style play is just as powerful as she moves on the field. She was Essie’s very first brand “spokesperson” And has become a style icon that combines streetwear, beauty and culture in a way that reflects the border of the WNBA.
“It is quite special to see how she can conquer the fashion world, the beauty world storm, how she has just been integrated into street clothing, culture, fashion, style,” Ionescu said. “She’s a bit like how we are.”
Ellie’s energy is not just for the show – it feeds the team and fans.
“I feel she gets the crowd hype, and that translates to us when we are on the floor,” said Rebekah Gardner, a freedom guard.
Ellie is immediately at home in a League of Trailblazers. As Gardner put it: “What Ellie has done when a mascot is, such as trendset, and as a competition we are also trendsetters.”
