Criscia Long, one of the minds behind the internet’s favorite mascot, New York Liberty’s Ellie the Elephant.
Photo courtesy of New York Liberty
A popular saying has been passed around the WNBA this season: “Everyone watches women’s sports.” But those watching the WNBA have their eyes on one team mascot in particular — Ellie the Elephant.
At any moment during a New York Liberty game, the stylish hype woman can be seen strutting through the stands, showing off her legendary dance moves, or being held back by her team of “Stompaz” after a tough call by the referees.
Her energy is now an integral part of home games. Fans come to Barclays Center not only to watch Breanna Stewart, Jonquel Jones and Sabrina Ionescu dominate on the court but also to witness Ellie’s infamous antics and halftime performances.
Of course, the mascot wouldn’t be who she is without the team of creative minds known as Ellie’s “aunties.”
Criscia Long is one of those aunties. The senior director of entertainment for the Liberty, the Brooklyn Nets and the Long Island Nets works alongside other creatives to help create what she calls an “intentional symbol” that resonated with fans and embodied the Brooklyn spirit.
Thanks to the recent growth in WNBA viewership and the Liberty’s home game atmosphere, Ellie has become more than just a team symbol; she has evolved into a cultural icon.
“When we were ideating on what our new mascot was going to resonate like, we really had to think about not just our fans but the wider world around us,” Long said. “We knew that this person had to be a big energy. Right away, when we were figuring out the basic elements, you have to be high energy, you have to be athletic. But it’s also about providing that energy level that pulls people in, making them want to understand this character a little bit more.”
What sets Ellie apart isn’t just her playful demeanor; it’s the performer behind the mask,…
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