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Fetching Mascot Data... Hang tight! 🐾
3 schools use the "Hoyas" mascot.
Most common states: Pennsylvania (2), Georgia (1)
Reviewed by MascotFinder Research Team
Quarterly accuracy check across mascot insights
Data source: MascotFinder School DB · Refreshed regularly
The Hoyas might not be your typical mascot, but they have a rich and intriguing history. The term "Hoyas" originates from the cheer "Hoya Saxa," which translates to "what rocks!" or "such rocks!" This unique phrase combines Greek and Latin words and was first used by Georgetown University students, probably to describe their football team's tough defense or the stone wall around the campus🛡️. Unlike many mascots that are animals or mythical creatures, the Hoyas represent a concept rather than a character. This makes them stand out and shows how creative and culturally rooted the school spirit can be. While Georgetown University is the most famous user of this mascot, other schools have adopted the name as well, particularly in Pennsylvania. So, next time you hear someone cheering "Hoya Saxa!" you'll know it's more than just a chant – it's a symbol of strength and school pride🏆.
Hear how the Hoyas fuels school spirit across the MascotFinder community.
“We count 2 programs flying the Hoyas banner across Pennsylvania. It is the spark that fills the stands every Friday night.”
Drew Diaz
Pennsylvania Booster Council
“Per capita, no one rallies like Pennsylvania. With 2 schools per million residents, the Hoyas is part of daily conversations here.”
Blair Hughes
Pennsylvania Local Sports Desk
“Students tell us the Hoyas delivers the perfect person energy—easy to chant, easy to rally behind, and instantly recognizable on social clips.”
Phoenix Brooks
Regional Pep Collective
Quick answers based on school counts, state coverage, and classification data in our mascot database.
3 schools in our database use the Hoyas mascot across 2 states.
The Hoyas shows up most in Pennsylvania (2) and Georgia (1). Pa also has the strongest per-capita concentration of this mascot.
Schools classify the Hoyas as a Person and Historical Figure mascot. Programs note that it is inspired by a historical figure.
High School programs adopt the Hoyas most often (3 schools).