In Manhattan, Kansas, Jeff Mittie, the head coach of K-State’s women’s basketball team, was on the lookout for a fresh way to inspire his squad defensively for the 2023-2024 season.
Gabby Gregory, a senior guard, shared that Coach Mittie approached her and teammates Ayoka Lee and Serena Sundell with an idea. He wanted to introduce a new method for them to track their defensive success from the sidelines.
The concept was simple: one “gap” would be awarded for every three consecutive defensive stops, with a target of achieving seven gaps each game.
The question arose: What could possibly motivate the team to strengthen their defense?
Gregory revealed her fondness for goats, declaring them her favorite animal.
From this conversation, the “Gap Goat,” affectionately nicknamed “Gappy,” came into existence.
Gregory proposed the idea of celebrating three straight defensive stops by holding up a stuffed goat, which they would call the “Gap Goat.” This act would symbolize their achievement. Once they reached seven gaps, the goat would be adorned with chains, one of which prominently featured the number seven.
The team’s newest mascot, Gappy, quickly became a constant presence, accompanying the team everywhere – on the bench, during flights, and in the locker room.
Gappy even managed to capture the attention of fans, with replicas appearing in the stands at the Octagon of Doom during games.
Junior guard Jaelyn Glenn recalled being surprised by the appearance of the Gap Goat at practice, noting its cost was around $100, though Gregory corrected it to $65.
Senior center Ayoka Lee humorously remarked on the price of good defense, suggesting it’s invaluable.
The funding for Gappy was provided by K-State Athletics, proving to be a smart investment.
Gregory believes that the team’s defensive success might be partly due to their collective affection for Gappy. They’re motivated to excel for the Gap Goat.
This unique motivational tool has not only brought the team closer but has also added an element of fun to their defensive efforts.