A Tale of Three Norms
Three students from different backgrounds came together to create a singular identity for Charlotte’s beloved mascot. These are their stories.
Story by Alex Reynolds
Norm the Niner is an icon at UNC Charlotte. The pickaxe-wielding prospector pops up at sporting and campus events to the delight of many in Niner Nation. During Spring Commencement, it was revealed that for the past few years, Norm was brought to life by not one, not two, but three distinct students — Owen Joyce, Aisha Qatabi and Jamie Williford.
- Williford was a Levine Scholar, ultimate frisbee player and once ran his own escape room at the Popp Martin Student Union. As Norm, he sought to brighten the lives of strangers.
- Qatabi, born in Yemen, will pursue a master’s degree in architecture with a dream to return home and preserve historic landmarks. Her playful spirit gave Norm a mischievous charm.
- Joyce is a sports fanatic who bleeds Niner green. His passion for Charlotte Athletics made Norm a spark plug at Jerry Richardson Stadium and Halton Arena.
The three Norms became fast friends, fusing their personalities to portray a cohesive character to represent the University on campus and beyond. Their individual stories highlight the power of bringing joy to the lives of strangers and making everyone in Niner Nation feel like they belong.
Owen Joyce
Major:
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Finance (Real Estate)
Hometown:
Mooresville, North Carolina
Years as Norm:
Three (Fall ’22 through Spring ’25)
Favorite Moments as Norm:
- Final home football game against the University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Shooting a CPI commercial with famous college mascots
- Traveling to “The Swamp” when the 49ers faced the Florida Gators.
Aisha Qatabi
Major:
Bachelor of Arts in Architecture
Birthplace:
Sanaa, Yemen
Hometown:
Rocky Mount, North Carolina
Years as Norm:
Two (Spring ’23 through Spring ’25)
Favorite Moments as Norm:
- Pranking friends in Storrs Hall on review day
- Celebrating Hugo the Hornet’s birthday with professional mascots at the Spectrum Center
- Charlotte Metro Out of the Darkness Community Walk at Jerry Richardson Stadium
Jamie Williford
Major:
Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics for Business
Hometown:
Clayton, North Carolina
Years as Norm:
Three (Summer ’22 through Spring ’25)
Favorite Moments as Norm:
- Being booed by 66,000 fans at the University of South Carolina football game
- Revealing his identity to his now fiancé
- Starting a viral pillow fight at Star Quad
Owen
Joyce
Owen Joyce wore a Spiderman mask to a basketball game at Halton Arena during his freshman year. It earned him a spot on the jumbotron, a visit from Norm the Niner and set him on a path that would define much of his college experience.
Joyce is a passionate sports fan with basketball and NASCAR being his personal favorites. As Norm, he visited the University of Florida’s “Swamp” and was on the field for the 49ers’ dramatic final home game last season.
He talks about the simple joy of cheering up a stranger and shares the story of his emotional commencement and final reveal.
How did this whole Norm journey start for you?
I remember it vividly. My freshman year, I went to a basketball game, and I sat behind the visiting bench, wearing a Spiderman mask. You know, just weird freshman stuff. Norm came up beside me, and we got on the jumbotron. I thought to myself “Maybe, I could do that, too.” I kind of whispered in Norm's ear, “Are there tryouts to be Norm?” Obviously Norm’s not supposed to talk, but we ended up exchanging numbers. We texted back and forth, but I wasn’t able to try out due to COVID. I thought maybe it wasn’t meant to be. Flash-forward a year later, a friend helped get me in touch with the mascot coach who invited me to try out a couple days later.
Tell me about the try out to be Norm.
I put on the suit (boots, bodysuit, pants, head and gloves) which I've never done before. I could only see from the eyes up, so my depth perception was totally off. The coach threw a trash can at me and told me to pretend as if it was a little kid coming in for a hug. Then, I had to react as if we scored a touchdown and also as if we had a turnover.
I was terrible. I didn't know how to act. I started talking. I fell and hurt my knee a few times, but I guess it was pretty good for the most part. Luckily, I got the job and the experience snowballed from there.
Tell me about the dynamic of being very visible on campus but having to keep your identity a secret.
I think I was a little too excited when it was revealed that I would be Norm. I had an intramural football game right after, and I told all my friends “Guess who's going to be the new mascot of the school?”
I tell people now that if you really wanted to know who the mascot is, there are definitely clues. I had friends that were like, “Why do you hang out with the cheer team all the time if you don't cheer?” My cover story was that I was the manager for the cheer team. I'd say the big tote bag that held the Norm suit was full of expensive cameras for filming the cheer team.
What was the most rewarding part about being Norm?
One day I was walking on campus as Norm, and I saw one student far away slouching and walking alone. Then, when we got within 20 feet of each other they started smiling and I gave them a fist bump and a thumbs up, and I could see their entire attitude change.
That’s what I love about it. You stand out in a room; people are happy to see you. Being something bigger than myself and representing my school gave me a level of responsibility while also being really fun.
When people see Norm, they feel connected to Charlotte. We got a DM a few days ago from a girl who said she didn’t have many friends, but every time she saw Norm at a football game, it made her happier and more engaged. She thanked us for making her feel included. That’s the type of thing that you don't see when you’re in the suit but afterward, you can see how much of an impact you have on people.
What were your top three moments as Norm?
1. My final home football game when we beat UAB, on a game-winning missed field goal. That was my favorite, because I knew this would be my last football game ever. It was a crazy ending, and we won, so I was able to celebrate with my team. That was definitely my favorite moment.
2. When I shot the CPI commercial. It was over an entire weekend, and it was me and a bunch of other famous mascots like the Clemson Tiger, the Georgia Bulldog, Rameses from UNC and Mr. and Mrs. Wolfe from NC State. When we weren’t filming, we sat in a room and talked about our experiences for three days, and then we went out to dinner after.
3. Traveling to away football games. We traveled with the football team to Gainesville, Florida, to play the Gators. That stadium was electric. Then to hang out with their mascot (a 2025 Mascot Hall of Fame nominee) was so cool.
Tell me about the big reveal during the commencement ceremonies.
Commencement was a little surreal. I walked across the stage to shake hands and be announced, and then I walked backstage to put on the gloves and boots and grab the pickaxe. Right after the bell ringing, I think it hit me that this is over, and I started sobbing. Then, I realized that my name was about to be called again, so I was trying to rub the tears and redness out of my eyes. I walked out on stage and everybody cheered.
That little moment that they were able to sneak into the commencement ceremony and have us reveal ourselves after three years was pretty special. It's a high I don't think I'll ever get down from.
What will you miss most about UNC Charlotte?
It's been home for the past four years, so it feels weird leaving it. I think I'm going to get a little bit of FOMO when my friends who are still in college return. The connections I made in and out of the mascot suit and being a part of something bigger is what I'm going to miss most.
Aisha Qatabi
Not many people expected Aisha Qatabi to be one of the faces revealed as Norm the Niner — just ask Kevin Bailey, vice chancellor for student affairs. Qatabi was born in Yemen's capital city, Sanaa, and from an early age fell in love with the country’s rich architectural history. Her family immigrated to America and settled in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, where Qatabi discovered another passion — basketball.
Qatabi came to Charlotte as an undergraduate for the architecture program and will start work on a master’s degree in architecture in the fall. Qatabi’s dream is to gain the architectural toolkit to return to Yemen to preserve the country’s historic buildings. She didn’t think engagement in campus life would be a priority at the start of her journey, but that quickly changed.
Despite the height disparity between her, Williford and Joyce, her spirit shined through in the tryout process. Her light-hearted and playful approach helped grow Norm’s presence on social media and around campus. She shares her lasting memories and lessons from her time as Norm the Niner.
Where did your journey to becoming the mascot at Charlotte begin?
It's kind of a silly story actually. I was part of the orientation team for Charlotte, and I remember there was an orientation counselor who was a cheerleader, and she was always talking about Norm. People on the orientation team said I could do it because I was always really energetic. I would joke, “I would do it, but I’m 5’4”, it’s not going to happen.”
Still, I wanted to be Norm, because I've always seen him around, and it looked like a lot of fun. My boss encouraged me to give it a try and helped me fill out the application. When the invitation to try out came, I was in shock. I emailed back saying, “Are you sure? You know I’m 5’4”, right?” The coach responded, “As long as you fit in the suit it will be okay.”
Tell me about the tryout itself and your reaction to getting the part.
I remember Owen was there. He brought the suit in, and I remember him saying “It might be a little bit smelly.” And I was like, “Oh, God.”
I remember when I put the head on, I couldn’t see anything below. Then I had to climb up and down the stairs in Halton Arena and improvise what Norm would do with a traffic cone.
When I got the email saying I would be Norm, I was so excited, but I couldn’t tell anyone. I had to pretend I didn't get it to everyone who knew I applied. But deep down, I was so happy that I was able to be a part of the school and, in some ways, the face of the school.
What was it like keeping your identity a secret?
I did not share it with anyone, including my family, so during the reveal at graduation, my mom was in shock. She was like, “What is going on? Why is she up there on the stage? What is she doing?” I think the only person who knew was my sister, and that was just to back me up, and cover for me if I wasn’t texting my parents back.
My friends would see me around Norm, and they would ask, “Are you sure you're not Norm?” I would say that I was helping Norm shoot videos and used the social media account as proof. I also used my height as an excuse, saying I could never fit in the suit.
Tell me about your commencement experience and the big reveal.
After I walked across the stage for the first time, I went to the back room to change into the boots and gloves, and I ran into Vice Chancellor Bailey. He stared at me in disbelief and said, “There’s no way.” I always messed with him specifically during events, and I knew him personally as an orientation counselor. He was in shock. He then started going through pictures on his phone of Norm, asking if it was me — many times it was.
Commencement was insane because we got our own moment. Right before I walked out on stage, I remember being so nervous and anxious. Then, I kind of blacked out, like I hardly remember my name being called. But I do remember a brief moment where I could see architecture students jumping up and down. That gave me a lot of confidence as I ran around the arena floor.
I remember Jamie was Norm for my graduation, and he told me that my mom was crying. My 4-year-old brother, who is a big fan of Norm, was just confused. Although, I think he was more thrilled to see Norm (Jamie) running behind me during the ceremony than he was to see me.
What would you say your top three moments as Norm were?
1. The first time I went into Storrs Hall, the architecture building, as Norm. It was close to review day, so all the students there were completely exhausted. I was messing with a couple of my friends and some models outside. All the time they had no idea it was me. That stands out as one of my most memorable moments.
2. Celebrating Hugo the Hornet’s birthday and Children’s Day at the Spectrum Center. I had never been to the Spectrum Center before, but it was special since basketball is a big part of my identity. There were a bunch of other mascots there, including the Minnesota mascot, Crunch, even though they weren’t playing the Timberwolves. It was really fun just being there and doing skits, and of course, they all ended with Hugo winning.
3. The 2024 Charlotte Metro Out of the Darkness Community Walk. This was a moment that really stuck out for me. It was for suicide awareness, and it was a reminder that Norm could be there in those times and bring people joy. After the event, I remember scrolling through Norm’s social media and seeing people tagging him and saying nice things. I think moments like that were really important during my time as Norm because it showed how Norm had the ability to bring people comfort.
What was that like for you to know that you could brighten someone’s day by being the mascot?
It was surreal because you can make someone’s day without the suit, but it’s a lot harder. But to become a character and see the connection we were able to create with different people — whether it's filming a TikTok, giving a child a high five or having someone chase you down for a hug — was really special.
How would you describe the bond that you shared with Jamie and Owen?
They had already been together for a year before I came in, but we clicked instantly. I had different relationships with both of them. With Owen, we were always working together to jump on a trend and come up with video ideas. Being able to do those little things with him was always exciting. Jamie was like a brother to me. He was always ready to help me with everything that I needed. Every time I felt like I did something wrong, he was always there to boost my confidence.
My favorite times were football games, because we were always there together. I had to learn from them so we could create a cohesive Norm. Watching them grow as people, and watching our videos grow knowing how much work we put in together was very rewarding.
What will you miss most about your time as Norm?
Being able to make people feel more comfortable and happier as Norm is something I will miss. I will miss being around Jamie and Owen and all the cheerleaders. Our connection is a big part of why I stayed with it. It’s sad that now, we're all going our own way.
Jamie Williford
Before Jamie Williford suited up as Norm the Niner, the campus community may have seen him walking around campus in an inflatable cow outfit. His motivation for that stunt — making people smile — was his catalyst to pour his heart into being Norm.
A fixture at sporting events, Williford lived a secret life as Norm while being a Levine Scholar, an ultimate frisbee player and an active member of M28 Christian ministry. He met his fiancé at Charlotte and revealed his secret identity to her in a special way.
The first of the three graduating Norms to undertake the role, Williford was the last to walk at commencement, giving him a front row seat to his friends’ big moment. Then, given his place in the alphabet, made a quick change for the ages just in time to reveal his identity to all of Niner Nation. He shares his story below.
Where would you say your journey as Norm began?
In my first year of college, I found a giant inflatable cow costume on Amazon for $20 and decided to wear it on campus. When the Norm tryouts came up, one of my friends sent me the link and said, “You're literally doing this already, just do it as Norm.” I completed the try out, and I heard back two days later and thought, “Alright, this is going to be my life for the next three years.”
I poured my heart and soul into it, especially those first couple of years. I thought about how to improve the program, what I wanted out of it, how many free Dippin Dots can I get — you know, all the important aspects of being a mascot.
Back up for a second. What compelled you to not only buy a giant inflatable cow costume but then to wear it around campus?
The main driving factor was the same reason I wanted to be Norm and the reason I found Norm the most rewarding. It's about being able to bring joy to other people's lives, especially to those you don’t know. Freshman year in that cow costume, I understood that even if I didn't interact with someone, if they saw a cow walking across Belk Plaza it’s going to give you a laugh.
Even if I don’t know you, even if I had no idea who you are, I can go up and give you a high five or a hug or a fist bump and make your day exponentially better.
What was the tryout process like for Norm?
There was a general interview, and then I had to prepare a skit without context. I think I researched it more than I've ever researched anything in my life trying to figure out what kind of a mascot skit I should do.
It was also the same time as cheerleading tryouts, and I remember trying out in the corner while all the cheerleaders watched. It was really fun and coming out of it, I thought even if I didn't get it, it was still a great 30 minutes of my life.
What was your reaction to landing the role of Norm?
I remember exactly where I was. I was on a sand volleyball court just checking my phone, and I got an email from the coach. I instantly hopped out of the game because I needed to know. When I saw I got it, I was half in disbelief and half full of pure elation. I was upset that I had to wait the whole summer to start doing it. But, I was over the moon. I was so ready.
What would you say your top three moments as norm were?
1. My first away football game. We went to South Carolina my sophomore year, and I got to be Norm. There were 66,000 people in the stands, and as I ran across the field, everyone was booing me. And it is the coolest thing I have ever experienced in my life. I felt like John Cena. I didn't take it as if they hated me. I took it as they're going against you because you're not the home team. So, as I was running, I was basking in it like, “yes, lay it on me.”
2. When I let my then girlfriend, now fiancé, know that I was Norm. It was football season and outside of the costume I made up a secret handshake for us. Every time I saw her for a week, we would do the handshake. Then, that Saturday during a football game I found her, ran up to her as Norm, and I stuck up my hand to the handshake. Once we did it, she knew right away that I was Norm. Now that we’re engaged, and in a little while she’ll be my wife, it's just a really great memory that we'll always have together.
3. The viral pillow fight. This came right after we gained access to the Norm the Niner Instagram account. I was trying to jumpstart it, because it was kind of struggling, and we weren't posting often. I came up with this idea to pillow fight students on campus as Norm. I made this sign that said “free pillow,” and on the back of the sign, it said “fight.”
I pulled the sign up and gave them a pillow and then turned the sign around and started whacking them. It blew up within a day. Today, it has 1.4 million views and thousands of shares and likes. It is by far the most rewatched and interacted with video we have on Instagram. I'm so proud of it. It was a fun and original idea that I would have done for three views. The fact that it was very successful was a cherry on top.
Did you keep your identity concealed? Did you have a small circle that knew?
I tried to keep it as tight knit as I could. There were a few times where like someone in the spirit squad would accidentally let it leak, and we’d have to do containment control.
I’m not a big fan of lying but I know it’s important to keep the mascot identity a secret. I would say stuff like, “I probably won't do it next year,” or, “I’m getting fired,” just to throw them off.
My roommates ended up knowing just because there’s no good way to wash the suit or to carry around this giant bag without raising suspicions. I kept it from them for a long time, but one time, someone caught me lugging the bag from the laundry room and asked what it was. I couldn’t say it was a body even though it’s kinda the truth.
A couple of weeks before graduation, I was able to do some reveals to the ultimate frisbee team and the Levine Scholars, which was really special.
Tell me about the commencement ceremonies and having the chance to reveal Norm’s identity at the end.
Commencement was great. I'm very personable, so I knew a ton of the seniors just from different facets of life. I got to be the Norm for the first two commencement ceremonies, so I got to see all my friends graduate.
I got to be with Owen and Aisha for their experience and helped them live their time in the spotlight. That was as good of an experience for me as doing the reveal myself, because I love to see other people be joyful. Seeing Owen take it all in the last few moments before he was revealed, and see him going on stage and making it his own was incredible.
Being able to do it myself was surreal. It was funny because Owen and Aisha graduated in like the first 10 minutes of their ceremonies so they had plenty of time to come around to the back, sit on the couch and watch the rest of the show before putting on the gloves and boots. I was the fourth to last person to graduate in my ceremony, so I got off that stage, and I just booked it. I threw off my shoes, I threw on the boots. I threw on everything and sprinted to the other side. I felt like a quick-change artist. It was a little more rushed, but also, that's how I imagined it. I wouldn't have it any other way.
What will you miss most about being Norm?
I'm going to miss just being able to go up to random people and make their day better. I'm still going to be investing in people and investing in my community, but no one can do it like a mascot can. I'd recommend it to anybody.