GOOD NEWS: Sydney Caro made over 300 appearances during her time as Raider Red. Thank you for putting smiles on the faces of so many while…..WATCH VIDEO

GOOD NEWS: Sydney Caro Makes History with Over 300 Appearances as Raider Red — A Legacy of Spirit, Smiles, and School Pride

LUBBOCK, TEXAS — For years, Raider Red has been a fixture on the sidelines, in the stands, and at countless community events, rallying Red Raider Nation with infectious energy and a fearless West Texas grin. But behind the oversized hat and mustache of Texas Tech’s beloved costumed mascot has been a dedicated and passionate student — Sydney Caro.

Now, Caro’s incredible run as Raider Red has come to an inspiring close. With over 300 appearances to her name, she has made history as one of the most active and committed mascots in Texas Tech University history. From football games to hospital visits, campus events to out-of-state tournaments, Sydney Caro has embodied the spirit of Raider Red like few others before her.

As she hangs up the cowboy boots and passes on the mascot mantle, Caro leaves behind a legacy built on heart, hustle, and unwavering pride in the Double T.

A Journey Fueled by Passion

For Caro, becoming Raider Red wasn’t just about performing — it was about serving. A Texas Tech student from the College of Arts & Sciences, she first auditioned for the role in her sophomore year, driven by a lifelong love for school spirit and community engagement.

“I didn’t grow up dreaming of being a mascot,” she said in a recent farewell video posted by Texas Tech Spirit Program, “but I did grow up dreaming of making people smile. Raider Red gave me the chance to do that every day.”

Once selected, Caro threw herself into the role. Few outside the program know the dedication it takes — early mornings, late nights, training, choreography, and long hours in a heavy costume, all without the reward of recognition, since the identity of Raider Red is traditionally kept secret until the student retires.

“She brought the character to life with unmatched enthusiasm,” said Stephanie Rhode, Spirit Program Director at Texas Tech. “Sydney didn’t just wear the costume — she embodied Raider Red. Her energy was magnetic, and she could light up a stadium just by walking onto the field.”

More Than a Mascot

Over her time in the suit, Caro represented Texas Tech in nearly every setting imaginable — Big 12 matchups, March Madness runs, community fundraisers, pep rallies, orientation events, children’s hospitals, and even national mascot competitions.

She also served during a particularly unique chapter in the university’s history — the post-COVID return to campus, when rebuilding student morale and reconnecting with fans became more important than ever.

“In those moments when people were unsure, Raider Red was a constant,” said fellow spirit squad member Jenna Li. “Sydney’s version of Red reminded us how strong and united we are as a community.”

Caro even choreographed several original routines that became staples of Raider Red’s performances, including the now-popular “Raider Shuffle,” which drew millions of views across social platforms and was featured in a 2024 ESPN montage.

Gratitude and Goodbye

In her emotional farewell video, which aired during the spring Spirit Banquet and has since gone viral across Texas Tech social media channels, Caro thanked her family, friends, fellow spirit squad members, and the entire Red Raider community.

“There are no words to describe how much this role has meant to me,” she said, voice cracking. “To every little kid who high-fived me, to every alum who shouted ‘Get your guns up!’ — thank you for making me feel like a part of something bigger than myself.”

The video showed clips from some of her most memorable moments — waving the Guns Up in front of 60,000 fans at Jones AT&T Stadium, dancing with children at Lubbock’s University Medical Center, leading parades down Broadway, and comforting students during finals week with surprise campus appearances.

Leaving a Legacy

Sydney Caro’s 300+ appearances aren’t just a number — they represent a commitment to consistency, joy, and leadership. While mascots often work behind the scenes, Caro brought a sense of purpose and presence that turned Raider Red into a living symbol of Red Raider resilience and fun.

“She elevated the role,” said Coach Joey McGuire. “Raider Red has always been a part of the game day experience — but Sydney made Red a daily presence. She took the spirit of this university to every corner of the community.”

Texas Tech University has announced that Caro will be honored with a Spirit Legacy Award at this year’s commencement ceremony, a rare honor typically reserved for individuals who have significantly impacted campus culture.

What’s Next for Sydney?

With graduation on the horizon, Caro plans to pursue a career in student affairs or athletic event management, where she hopes to stay close to the collegiate spirit world she loves so much.

“I’ve seen how much a mascot can mean to a university,” she said. “Now, I want to help shape those programs and support the students who carry on the tradition.”

As Raider Red rides off into the sunset — for now — Sydney Caro’s legacy rides with it: a legacy of joy, strength, and school pride worn not just on her sleeves, but in every step, every dance, and every crowd she helped ignite.

And to that, Red Raider Nation tips its oversized hat and says, ‘Thank you, Sydney — and Guns Up forever.’