Misericordia Athletics Association

The Misericordia Athletics Association (MAA) had its beginnings on campus in 1932 as the Women's Athletic Association, which organized physical education activities on campus, raised money for state sports conferences, honored athletes and team managers, and encouraged enthusiasm for sports.

The Miss Recordia reported in November 1953 that the Misericordia Athletic Association (MAA) was looking for a new sports team name to inspire school spirit. The MAA held a contest to choose a sports team name. In the December 1953 issue, the Miss Recordia reported that the Highlander Terrier was chosen, and a mascot named Tippy was named to represent the sports teams. Misericordia was known as the Highlanders until the student body chose the cougar in 1986.