Roary | NC Courage - Official website

Meet Roary

Born in the heart of the Buffalo Zoo around the time the Western New York Flash transformed into the North Carolina Courage, Roary was no ordinary lion cub. From a young age, she showed an uncanny love for soccer – pouncing on soccer balls, chasing them down with incredible speed, and even pulling off a solid slide tackle or tow (with claws safely tucked in, of course).

When the Courage players visited the zoo on a community trip, they were stunned to see Roary’s natural talent and boundless energy. It was clear: this lioness had courage in her heart. She quickly won them over with her playful spirit, fierce loyalty, and impressive paw-work. The decision was unanimous – Roary would become the special mascot of the North Carolina Courage.

Roary made the move down south to North Carolina’s Triangle area, where she immediately felt at home. The warm, sunny days reminded her of her ancestral homeland, the African Savanna. She began training with the players, forming bonds with the team and learning how to channel her roar into a rallying cry for the crowd.

Over time, Roary became a local celebrity, making fast friends with fellow mascots like Wool E. Bull of the Durham Bull and Stormy the Ice Hog of the Carolina Hurricanes. She also formed a special connection with the NCFC Youth players, who she calls her “best friends for life.” Whether she’s on the sideline cheering or out in the community, Roary brings smiles, high fives, and plenty of hugs.

When she’s not revving up the fans at First Horizon Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park, you’ll likely find Roary attending local festivals, hugging kids, or sneaking in a scoop of her favorite ice cream – Two Rooster’s Roary Tracks, of course.