January 27, 2025 | SaJorden Miller
For Caden Lang ’23, it all started with a teal suit — a simple impulse purchase — that became a defining symbol of his passion for UNCW Athletics and has made him a beloved figure among Seahawks fans. Today, Lang still wears the teal suit, but has been promoted from cheering on the sidelines to now serving as the UNCW Assistant Director of Marketing and Fan Experience. Officially joining UNCW Athletics in 2023, his role brings him to the center of action on game day as he serves as the official on-court emcee, better known to fans as "Teal Suit Guy."
Lang’s journey began as a freshman when he and his friends became fixtures at UNCW basketball games –– showing up early, cheering loudly, and embracing every moment of Seahawk spirit. Their enthusiasm caught the attention of the athletic department, which asked the group to create a student section Instagram account, Teal Nation, to promote games and boost attendance.
Caden Lang ’23 and Sammy C. Hawk on the basketball court inside Trask Coliseum pumping up fans ahead of a basketball game.
“That was my first big step into working with UNCW Athletics,“ Lang recalls. “It opened so many doors for me –– from joining Team Teal to becoming Sammy C. Hawk –– ultimately landing a post-graduation internship with the department.“
But it was during his junior year that “Teal Suit Guy” was born. “We were joking about costumes for games, and I decided to order a cheap teal three-piece suit from Amazon. It was funny, unique, and it just stuck,” Lang explains. “I wore it to every game, and before I knew it, I was leading the student section.”
When Lang transitioned from student to intern, his connection to the teal suit remained. Midway through the 2023 basketball season, the Athletic Director wanted to introduce an on-court emcee to enhance the fan experience. Lang was the natural choice, on one condition –– he had to wear the teal suit!
Now, in his official staff role “Teal Suit Guy,” Lang channels the same energy he had as a student section leader into the entire stadium. “My goal is to foster a fun environment and create memorable experiences for fans and students,” he says. “I want them to leave with a passion for Seahawk sports.”
For Lang, being the on-court emcee isn’t just about energizing the crowd; it’s about creating connections. “I love interacting with fans,” he shares. “Whether it’s chatting with families courtside or hyping up contestants for on-court games, even small interactions can turn into moments that make someone feel like part of the UNCW family.”
As Assistant Director of Marketing and Fan Experience, Lang juggles multiple responsibilities –– in addition to his game-day emcee role –– including managing Sammy C. Hawk, the UNCW mascot program; coordinating game-day giveaways; and engaging with students on campus.
“It’s a lot, but I’m fortunate that my role aligns so closely with my passion for UNCW sports,” he says. “Teal Suit Guy is a more animated version of myself, but the energy and love for the university are the same in everything I do.” Lang says, “Every game is an opportunity to share that passion and create a sense of belonging for fans, students, and alumni.”
Caden Lang ’23 in a UNCW baseball jersey emceeing a UNCW baseball game.
For Lang, the teal suit is more than just a costume — it’s a symbol of his journey and his commitment to UNCW. “As an alum, I want to recreate the excitement I felt as a student for those who return for games,” he explains. “When alumni step into Trask, I want them to feel like they’re back in college, cheering for their team like they never left.”
Whether he’s hyping up the crowd, organizing events, or sharing a laugh with fans, Caden Lang is more than just the “Teal Suit Guy.” He’s a living embodiment of what it means to be a Seahawk –– to be passionate, spirited, and always ready to make the next moment unforgettable.