This Day in Henrico History: Nov. 12 – Freeman announces Mavericks as its new nickname
On Nov. 12, 2020, Douglas S. Freeman High School announced that its teams would become the Mavericks, replacing the Rebels nickname.
Principal John Marshall shared the new name and logo with students, families and staff in a Thursday message. The announcement followed the school’s August decision to retire Rebels after a review of the nickname.
Members of the Freeman community worked with a team from Virginia Commonwealth University’s Brandcenter, led by Freeman alumni, to develop a more inclusive identity. Four finalists emerged: Mavericks, Pioneers, Trailblazers and United.
Mavericks received the strongest support in a community survey. School administrators selected it in collaboration with student leaders, while the Brandcenter helped develop the accompanying logo.
Marshall described the choice as an expression of the school’s independent spirit and its commitment to thinking for itself. The announcement gave Freeman a new identity for its athletic teams and school spirit after months of discussion about the old name.
