MEET PROWLER

Taking a new identity

Panthers mascot cathartic experience for local senior

BY SCOTT AKANEWICH, Sports Editior

Sports mascots are a jovial bunch.

After all, their job is to make supporters happy of whatever team they’re advocating for – win or lose.

For Liberty Hill, that means Prowler, the lovable black panther that can be found on the sidelines for football games, volleyball matches and the like over the course of the entire school year.

For Bella Jaimez, it represents much more, though.

These days, the Liberty Hill senior is the one bounding around happily in costume as the Purple-and-Gold strive for victory.

But, just the fact Jaimez is wearing the suit and the oversize mask that accompanies it is a victory in itself, for her tale is one of personal triumph over a far-too-common calamity that exists in the halls of schools, with the spotlight on it shining brighter than ever before.

“I was bullied by a group of kids,” said Jaimez. “From freshman to junior years.”

Back then, Jaimez was one of the athletes the school’s mascot was cheering on as a member of the Lady Panthers’ varsity soccer team, a feisty wing back who played in 17 games and scored a goal until a knee injury derailed her rookie season.

However, what would come next was far more hurtful than any physical malady.

“I think once I was no longer that person – an athlete that could be put on a pedestal – it was different,” said Jaimez. “Also, I didn’t give in to peer pressure as far as drinking or anything.”

New crowd

Jaimez never did rejoin the soccer team once her injury healed, but instead found a new group of Panthers to run with.

“I joined the powerlifting team,” she said. “It was so fulfilling for me.”

According to Jaimez, teammates Elise Eckford and Charlie Harris – who also happened to be cheerleaders – mentioned to her there was going to be an opening on the other squad she just might be interested in.

“Most of my friends were on the cheer squad,” said Jaimez. “They told me Prowler was going to be open and I should try out for it.”

Ever since, Jaimez – acting as her alter-ego – has taken much satisfaction in spreading joy among Panther Nation and has also gleaned gratification in how playing the role has helped heal her heart, she said.

“Ever since I’ve been on the cheer team, it’s done empowering things for me,” she said. “I don’t want other people to feel how I did when I was getting bullied.”

Looking to above

Part of the recovery process was Jaimez’ faith, which she said was a primary factor in helping her get through the darkest of times.

“I landed on a path with Christ and let God lead me,” said Jaimez, before quoting Deuteronomy 31:6. “Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified or afraid of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you or forsake you.”

Prowler getting the Liberty Hill student section fired up at a Panthers’ home game earlier this season. FILE PHOTO BY ALEX RUBIO (Below) Senior Bella Jaimez takes her role as school mascot Prowler very seriously in spreading joy among Purple-and-Gold supporters. (Courtesy Photo)

Perfect for the part

Liberty Hill head cheer coach Kirsten Grant said she got to know Jaimez even before she donned the costume.

“Bella was in a class right next to one of mine,” said Grant, who also teaches at the school. “We built a relationship – she was always gregarious and easy-going.”

Perfect personality traits for a mascot, then?

“Yes, Bella has taken Prowler and made it her own,” said Grant. “She has brought a sincerity and a softness – I know I can go to her when I need something because she’s so caring – she’s kind of like everybody’s big and little sister – small in stature, big in heart.”

About her height, Jaimez stands about five feet tall, which is several inches shorter than her predecessor – but no worries in the wardrobe department, she said.

“It’s the same suit as last year,” said Jaimez. “Although we added the bow and the football jersey with sequins – I’m a girl, so who says Prowler can’t be a girl?”

Once she suits up, Jaimez takes her role very seriously – a goodwill ambassador for all things Purple-and-Gold, if you will – especially toward the younger members of the community.

“I’m very thankful to have that relationship with all the future Panthers,” she said. “So far, no kids have cried.”

In her opinion, what does it take to be a good mascot?

“You have to be able to lead with your actions,” said Jaimez. “After all, Prowler can’t talk, which makes it very hard to communicate.”

Prowler isn’t the first identity Jaimez has taken on this year, as she dressed up as George Washington on “America Day” at school and even wore the costume to a Lady Panthers volleyball match in getting with the spirit of things.

As for the journey that led her from Panthers athlete to Panthers mascot – and the trials and tribulations that went on in between – Jaimez is now at peace with the process and has even forgiven those who mistreated her.

“I just want to spread the word of God,” she said. “Some of those people have apologized and want to be friends – it’s a blessing to have that kind of face-to-face reconciliation.”