Who - and Where - is Polly Pioneer?

Author: Tim Muma

Published Date: 4/6/2026

Categories: Alumni Faculty and Staff University News

Jullie Taggart as Carroll Mascot Polly Pioneer — Julie (Garot) Taggart '79 taking a breather as Polly

Carroll University’s storied traditions span 180 years, and while Pioneers know and love the familiar figure of Pio Pete, there’s another mascot whose legacy is far more mysterious—and far more entertaining. Her name? Polly Pioneer.

Polly was often seen around campus hanging out with Pio Pete. While some weren’t sure of the nature of their relationship, Polly revealed in a 1980 profile that, “The ideal evening was breaking curfew with Pioneer Pete.” I think that says it all. She also included “men in buckskin suits” on her top 10 list.

As for Polly’s role as an additional mascot, she appeared in parades, braved basketball courts, survived a notoriously heavy head (material unknown) and even helped injured cheerleaders stay in the game. And yet, despite all this, her history has never been fully pieced together. Now we’re trying to find the missing links to her story.

Big Head Beginnings: Polly in the 1970s

The earliest recorded sightings of Polly date back to the 1976–77 basketball season, when a large-headed version—let’s call her “Big Head Polly”—graced the sidelines.

Julie (Garot) Taggart ’79, who portrayed Polly during that season, admits she doesn’t remember exactly how she got the job. Working as a student within the sports department likely pulled her into the role—and apparently, there wasn’t much competition.

“I don’t think many people wanted to wear that heavy head. It wasn’t a sought-after role.” — Julie Taggart

Julie described the costume as cumbersome, with limited visibility—she could only see through Polly’s mouth—while stationed under the baskets during men’s basketball games.

“I had a few close calls with a player running into me. I wasn’t too agile with that head on.”

Carroll's Polly Pio poses in grass — Pam (Sonnleitner) Canon '80 filled in as Polly for games and events...and this iconic pose

By all accounts, this version of Polly continued making appearances through at least 1980–81, with Pam (Sonnleitner) Canon ’80 recalling the challenges of wearing the very same oversized mascot head during football and basketball games.

“The head wasn’t very sanitary and was definitely heavy. Any poses I did, I had to find a way to support my head.” — Pam Canon

Pam also remembers that Pioneer Pete at the time was played by Dan La Plante ’79 and believes Polly may have been played by Linda (Rosplock) Delgabo ’81 around 1978–79. By the early 1980s, however, accounts of “Big Head Polly” go quiet.

The Return: Polly Goes “Human” (1997)

After what seems like more than a decade out of the spotlight, Polly re-emerged—this time without the giant head. Instead, she appeared as a fully human Pioneer, wearing a vest, hat and Pioneer pride.

Laura Smith as human Polly with Pete at Carroll — Laura Smith '00 as the "human" Polly

This human version debuted in 1997, thanks to an effort to develop a more modern mascot program supporting both male and female mascots.

Patrick Peyer, then Director of Student Activities, was asked by campus leadership to help create the mascot program alongside colleagues in Student Affairs and Athletics. And as Patrick recalls, the addition of Polly was very intentional.

“Rebecca Sherrick was a strong advocate for women, so if there was not historically a Polly, I’m sure she wanted us to have a male and female mascot option.” — Patrick Peyer

One of the first people to don the new version of Polly was Laura Smith ’00, who portrayed her from 1997 to 1999. For Laura, the opportunity was a perfect fit. A former cheerleader recovering from a knee injury, becoming Polly meant she could stay involved safely—and enthusiastically.

“Becoming Polly was a dream to still be involved without risking further injury. It helped that I knew the cheers!” — Laura Smith

Laura went on to appear in Homecoming parades and several basketball games. She also remembers one or two successors who took over after 1999, though the exact timeline is fuzzy.

The last known report of Polly’s activity dates to around 2001, with no confirmed sightings since.

Pete and Polly holds hands in from of Main Hall at Carroll — Polly and Pete: A romance some have forgotten

Where Did She Come, From Where Did She Go?

Those are the enduring questions. Some in Carroll’s community remember her fondly, but her trail goes cold after the early 2000s. On the other end, no one is truly sure how and when Polly was introduced—and documentation hasn’t been found.

Did she actually arrive in the 1940s with Pio Pete? Did she later retire to focus on other things? Does Pete have any answers? For now, he isn’t talking and the investigation continues.

Perhaps you can help. What memories and photos do you have stored about Polly Pioneer? Email the Alumni Engagement team at alumni@carrollu.edu with your knowledge. Polly might never return, but she deserves another few moments in the spotlight.