With USF Athletics' focus to go from good to great, Don Francisco felt the urge to step up his game. He took to the volleyball court, but Oluoma Okaro showed him who was boss. Don stepped in the batting cages and struck out. He worked out with Taj Winston and Kruize Pinkins on the hardwood, and got schooled.

At his lowest point on the steps of War Memorial Gym, Justin Leach encouraged Don Francsico to pump some iron in the new weight room. After grueling workouts, Don was swinging for the fences. You could see him streaking around campus with the track and cross country team, and putting in extra training session at the gym. He worked on his crossover, and learned how to set the perfect volleyball. Don swished the shot and got mobbed by the team.

It was plain to see - there's a new DON in town.

"greatest selfie of all time" during Men's Basketball victory over SC State @DonsAthletics http://t.co/5c4JiAiKtU pic.twitter.com/NyV3mSWSqg

— USF San Francisco (@usfca) November 17, 2014

DON | Check out the new and improved Don Francisco hanging out with the fans at War Memorial! #clean

A photo posted by San Francisco Athletics (@donsathletics) on Nov 11, 2014 at 6:35pm PST

I decided to go for a new look. Started eating better and working out. There's a new Don in town #FearTheStache pic.twitter.com/vIWR3mvyRs

— Don Francisco (@USF_Don_mascot) November 17, 2014