USC reimagines beloved event with goats, yoga

The baby goats were the center of attention on Davis Field during Gamecock entertainment’s Thursday After Dark event. 

The mindfulness event brought together a unique blend of physical activity, emotional support and furry therapy.  

The event, previously starring goat yoga, underwent some changes to be more culturally respectful, said Courtney Buzan, assistant director of Gamecock Entertainment.  

“We’ve been doing this type of programming for about five years, but we’re rebranding it,” Buzan said. “Some students from the Indian Association educated us about the cultural and religious significance of yoga within the Hindu faith and how combining it with goats can feel inappropriate. We want to honor that.” 

Its new name is G.O.A.T. Mentality — an acronym for gratitude, optimism, affirmations and tranquility. The revamp includes a variety of mindfulness stations: yoga practice, meditation, coloring, affirmation activities and, of course, a pen holding baby goats. 

The goal is to create “a modge podge of mindfulness on display” to help students prepare for next month’s finals in a way that’s both engaging and inclusive, Buzan said. 

Anna-Leigh Taylor, who works with Gamecock Entertainment, said the modifications allow growth. 

“We used to fence the space and allow only 30 students at a time,” she said. “That didn’t make sense for a student body of over 36,000. Now we open the area up so more people can interact.” 

Fit Columbia yoga instructor Autumn Perkins led yoga sessions for students seeking a moment of peace and presence. 

“Adding goats to yoga brings people to the mat who might not come otherwise,” Perkins said. “It’s a fun, low-pressure way to explore mindfulness.” 

Students such as junior Valentina Robinson, an exercise science major, returns to the event each time it’s offered. 

“I came here for the goats,” Robinson said. “But I really loved the affirmations, too. I think mindset influences almost everything in life. I already keep sticky notes with affirmations on my dorm door.” 

Valentina also noted how affordable and accessible USC makes these experiences.

“Goat yoga somewhere else would be like $50,” she said. “I’m broke. This is free. This is peace.” 

Kelsey Colglazier, a freshman Mental Health Ambassador and electrical engineering major, led the affirmation station. 

Students were instructed to write an affirmation on a sticky note, leave it on the mirror and take one that relates to them.

“It’s so easy to spiral with your thoughts,” Colglazier said. “But saying something like, ‘I am OK,’ or ‘I am kind,’ helps center you.” 

The event is part of a broader initiative to support student wellness beyond just one afternoon.  

The Thursday After Dark events are offered weekly and are designed to provide evening substance-free fun — from bowling nights to trampoline parks. Gamecock Entertainment also plans to offer a similar “Tuesday Takeover” series in the fall for even more campus engagement.