Golden Retriever Serves as ‘Director of Pawsitivity’ for College Basketball Team

They say “every dog has its day,” and that’s especially true for a canine at New Jersey’s Montclair State University.

Charley, a 2-year-old golden retriever, is listed as a member of the coaching staff’s support squad for the school’s women’s basketball team, having earned the fitting title of “director of pawsitivity.”

Mouth agape, Charley can be seen smiling with his tongue out on the team’s coaching staff page in a headshot under the 2024-2025 Women’s Basketball Support Staff section, alongside two student managers.

The staff roster included Charley’s full name, Charley Cunningham Jones.

“With a heart as golden as her fur, Charley is known for her contagious enthusiasm, tail-wagging motivation, and ability to lift spirits both on and off the court,” Charley’s bio reads. “Whether she’s bringing joy to team practices, providing emotional support, or simply offering a comforting presence, Charley is a beloved member of the squad. She loves basketball and all of our student-athletes and support staff. Off-duty, Charley enjoys long hikes, belly rubs, swimming, collecting sticks, and of course, treats!” 

After naming Charley as the director of pawsitivity, the women’s basketball team is off to “its hottest start since the 2016-17 season,” winning its first three games, Montclair State University Athletics noted in a Nov. 16 update on its website.

Officials also pointed to the media attention that Charley has attracted for the team, giving kudos to coverage from ABC7 New York and ESPN’s SportsCenter.

“She always brings good vibes, especially before a game,” sophomore guard Amanda Castro told ABC7 New York. “Good mascot, great energy.”

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“Air Bud knew his playing days were over, so he went the admin route,” one person joked on SportsCenter‘s Instagram post, referring to the 1997 sports film Air Bud starring a basketball-playing golden retriever.

“Dawg probably making more than me,” another person commented.

“They missed their chance to call him Charley Barkley,” a third quipped, giving a nod to the NBA-legend-turned-TV-sports-analyst Charles Barkley.