The Dog Days are Over: Senior Zoe Veaunt on Four Years as Damien the Great Dane

By Sophie Coker, Class of 2026

ALBANY, N.Y. (May 6, 2026) — If you have attended a University at Albany athletics event in the past four years, the likelihood you’ve taken a picture with senior Zoe Veaunt is high — even if you didn’t know it.

After attending around 200 events in character across campus, the state and the northeast, Veaunt is finally hanging up the paws as Damien the Great Dane.

From Dansville, N.Y., Veaunt stumbled into her tenure as UAlbany’s beloved mascot through an advertisement early during her freshman year. She never anticipated it would become such a big part of her collegiate career.

“I figured it may be a funny story 10 years from now, but I ended up feeling addicted to the adrenaline after my first Homecoming game, which was really where I fell in love with it.”

At Homecoming in 2022, Veaunt was thrown into the ring, running around Tom & Mary Casey Stadium in the suit, carrying a big flag and weaving in and out of cheerleaders sporting purple and gold pride. 

“You have to be open and willing to do anything,” Veaunt said. “Being Damien has taught me a lot about not only putting yourself out there but also prioritizing first impressions.”

During her time as Damien, she has taught herself trending dance moves and developed a signature point at the camera. But where the mascot truly stole Veaunt’s heart is within Damien’s ability to bring joy to other people.

“Being silly taps into a childlike joy that kind of gets lost as you grow up," She said. "I think it’s easy to have a great time at our athletic events.”

She also had the opportunity to take the Great Dane off the field and into the community. A special highlight was traveling with the UAlbany football team to the Bernard & Millie Duker Children's Hospital at Albany Medical Center last fall to spread some smiles to healthcare workers and young patients.

“I’ve also done a handful of higher profile events where people are in tuxes and drinking champagne,” Veaunt said. “At the end of the day, what matters most is making a moment with someone, whether that’s a loud, crazy personality, or something softer.”

Veaunt found her passion for athletics through serving as everyone’s favorite mascot. After hanging out with the big dogs at UAlbany’s athletics department and working alongside the football team, she shifted her career goals from becoming a surgeon to pursuing athletic training. Veaunt also plays six instruments, reflecting a commitment to creativity beyond the mask.

Following her graduation from UAlbany in May with a degree in human biology, Veaunt will continue her studies through New Mexico State University’s master's in athletic training program.

“I grew up playing sports in high school, and I thought what I’d miss most about athletics in college was the competitive arena. But I keep coming back to the environment created by fans who come out to watch the games.”