Kourtney LaPlant, a former University of Florida student and mascot, shares her experience of wearing the mascot costume, dealing with heat and interacting with people. She also discusses the challenges of wearing dirty suits on game days and the gestures used by mascots. The speaker expresses passion for dressing up in costumes and offers ad-free episodes through Criminal Plus.
College sports play a significant role in the culture of Gainesville, Florida, bringing the community together and creating a lively atmosphere.
Being mascots allowed Courtney and Brian to embrace their fun and ridiculous side while maintaining anonymity, strengthening their relationship both on and off the field.
Deep dives
Couple's journey from high school band to becoming mascots for the University of Florida
Courtney and Brian LaPlant met in high school band and eventually became mascots for the University of Florida. They started as friends in the band and their relationship grew over time. They attended their school's musical together, and Brian's continuous pursuit of Courtney eventually won her over. They went on their first date to a movie and bonded over shared activities like band and football. As Courtney prepared to leave for college, their nightly phone calls helped them stay connected. Courtney joined UF's mascot team and became Alberta, while Brian joined as Albert. They shared the excitement and challenges of being mascots, including the heat and smell inside the costumes. Despite retiring as mascots, their love for dressing up continues in their personal lives.
The significance of college sports in Gainesville, Florida
College sports are a significant part of life in Gainesville, Florida, home to the University of Florida. The town revolves around the university's sports teams, and the population grows with the influx of students. College sports, particularly football, bring the community together and create a lively atmosphere in town. Gainesville residents plan their schedules around game days, birthday parties, and even weddings to avoid conflicts with games. The University of Florida's athletic success and passionate fan base make college sports a major part of the local culture.
The experience of being mascots and communicating without words
Courtney and Brian immersed themselves in the roles of Albert and Alberta, the University of Florida mascots. The costumes were heavy, hot, and limited vision, making navigation challenging. They had to communicate non-verbally through gestures and big movements to interact with people. Their performances involved interacting with children, being playful, and creating memorable experiences. The affectionate chemistry between Alberta and Albert also extended to Courtney and Brian's relationship, making them an excellent team on and off the field. Being mascots allowed them to be fun and even a bit ridiculous while maintaining anonymity.
One day, as a student at the University of Florida, Kourtney LaPlant was reading the student newspaper. “And there was this little tiny ad in the paper about, hey, we’re looking for new mascots. And I was like, why not?”
We're going back on tour this month! We’ll be telling brand new stories, live on stage. You can even get meet and greet tickets to come and say hi before the show. Tickets are on sale now at thisiscriminal.com/live. We can’t wait to see you there!
Want to listen to This is Love ad-free? Sign up for Criminal Plus – you’ll get This is Love, Criminal, and Phoebe Reads a Mystery ad-free. Plus, behind-the-scenes bonus episodes of Criminal and other exclusive benefits. Learn more and sign up here.
