Student Issue, 1989—Vol Hostesses Student Issue

In March 1989 a poster proclaiming “Attention: Friendly, outgoing girls. You are needed for the position of Vol hostess—to help recruit players for the UT football team” was posted around campus. The hand-drawn posters sported a likeness of a “friendly, outgoing girl” with wide-open eyes, a big smile, and curly hair topped with a bow, holding a sign saying Go Vols! The poster drew the ire of women’s organizations and a critical editorial in the Daily Beacon. The Beacon, however, then contacted the Athletics Department and learned that the role was “an entirely respectable occupation.” Volunteers worked with the department in escorting football players and their families around campus during football games and to lunch. During the winter months, Vol hostesses helped with press clippings of the athletes. The name of the organization was changed to Orange Pride in 2004 and became part of the Student Recruiter group in the Office of Admissions in 2010.