NCAC Welcomes Winnie the Walleye

CLEVELAND, OH – The North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC) is proud to announce the next chapter of its “Waves” identity: the introduction of Winnie the Walleye, the official mascot of the NCAC.
 
In 2024, the NCAC made a splash when it adopted "the Waves" as its collective identity. Now, the Waves have a face. Winnie the Walleye, a proud native of the Great Lakes region and Lake Erie, the Walleye Capital of the World, was selected after an extensive review process to serve as the official mascot of the conference and its nine member institutions.
 
The choice was an obvious one. With an estimated 77 million adult walleye in Lake Erie alone, the species is built for these waters - migrating across basins each season and emerging stronger year after year. It’s a mentality the NCAC knows well.
 
Winnie embodies the competitive spirit, academic excellence, and resilience that define the NCAC. Equal parts fierce and beloved, this new face of the conference is more than a mascot, it’s a statement.
 
NCAC Executive Director Keri Alexander Luchowski shared her enthusiasm for the announcement, stating, "When we became the Waves in 2024, we knew this was only the beginning. Winnie is the natural next step - giving our identity a name, a face, and a personality that reflects everything the NCAC stands for. We couldn't be more excited."
 
Winnie will make appearances at conference championships, community events, and across NCAC social media platforms throughout the year. Branded merchandise featuring Winnie is expected to be available ahead of the 2026-27 academic year.
 
One conference. One school of fish.

More About Winnie the Walleye
Winnie the Walleye is not, in fact, the official mascot of the North Coast Athletic Conference. But after two years of building this lore - and with 77 million walleye right in our backyard - we think Winnie has earned a spot in the conversation. Happy April Fools' Day from the NCAC.

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