It can be a little hard to describe, but when you’re here it’s not hard to understand.
What is a Reddie?
Being a Reddie… living that Reddie Spirit… carrying that Reddie pride with you during your years at Henderson State University and throughout the rest of your life. It’s something special.
Upon its establishment in 1905, the Henderson State football team became known for wearing red jerseys. Absent a traditional nickname or mascot, the team was appropriately dubbed the “Reds.” Eventually, the name shifted to “Reddies,” and it stuck.
Being a Reddie is about much more than athletics, and involves a level of pride that could never fit into a silly, furry costume.
In 1914, the Henderson State campus was ravaged by a fire. With nearly the entire campus destroyed, a group of Henderson students gathered under a tree with a decision to make — either transfer to other schools in the area, or rebuild Henderson.
In the end, the choice was easy. They decided to rebuild Henderson, and at that moment, they redefined what a “Reddie” truly was.
So, when someone asks you “What’s a Reddie?” you can tell them… it’s a spirit. It’s a belief. It’s an attitude.
It’s a Henderson thing.