NC State fans got a shot of Wolfpack joy yesterday when legendary broadcaster and alum Debbie Antonelli dropped a feel-good video on X.
In the post, Antonelli, who played for the Pack from 1983 to 1986 under Kay Yow, shared this simple but perfect caption:
“Check this out @PackWomensBball @PackAthletics #ncstateathletics. Got to say hello to one of the all time favorites at NC State living the dream of playing in the #wnba @ihoop___22 #SaniyaRivers”
The 29-second clip shows Antonelli filming in a tunnel at the Connecticut Sun’s Mohegan Sun Arena. She captures Saniya Rivers, wearing her Sun gear running up from the tunnel. What follows is classic yapping it up. Big smiles, excited chatter, a warm hug, and Rivers giving the double wolfie sign while the two former Pack stars catch up during pregame activities.
The moment instantly resonates with Pack fans. Antonelli’s name already hangs in the Reynolds Coliseum rafters as part of the NC State Women’s Basketball Ring of Honor. She earned that honor for her standout playing career, which included ACC championships and multiple NCAA Tournament appearances, combined with her decades-long professional impact as one of the most respected and influential voices in women’s basketball. As a two-time Emmy Award-winning broadcaster for ESPN, CBS and other networks, Antonelli has helped grow the game at every level through her analysis, storytelling and advocacy.
Saniya Rivers, the dynamic 6-1 guard who transferred to NC State in 2022 and became a First-Team All-ACC standout, was selected eighth overall by the Sun in the 2025 WNBA Draft. She is now living out that dream in Uncasville.
One name is already in the rafters of Reynolds. Will the other hang there too someday?
For now, Debbie’s post gave every Wolfpack fan a perfect reminder of why NC State women’s basketball continues to produce legends who stay connected long after their playing days.
GoPack!
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