Over the next few days, we’ll be rolling out scouting notes for every team on our non-conference schedule.
We’ve already published the first two – on LSU and Kansas State – as part of our look ahead to the 2026 Elevance Health Women’s Fort Myers Tip-Off. You can read those here:
Make the Trip: Why NC State Fans Need to Be in Fort Myers for the LSU Showdown
Make the Trip: Why NC State Fans Need to Be in Fort Myers for the Kansas State Matchup
NC State opens the 2026-27 season at home against Wofford on Monday, November 2 at Reynolds Coliseum.
Last season the Terriers finished 16-13 overall and 10-4 in the Southern Conference, tying for the regular-season title. That’s a solid year for a mid-major program. They compete hard, rebound well for their level, and don’t roll over easily. Jimmy Garrity is back for his 11th season as head coach, so the system and culture are consistent.
The offensive load last year fell mostly on three players who should all be back:
- Freshman (now sophomore) Gabby Mundy led the team at 15 points, 5 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game. She’s the primary creator and the one NC State will have to account for most.
- Maddie Heiss, now a senior, averaged 11.5 points and was an excellent free-throw shooter.
- Molly Masingale chipped in solid minutes and production as a sophomore and should take on a bigger role this year.
Queen Ikhiuwu was their best interior presence last season (13 points and nearly 8 rebounds a night), but it looks like she may not be back based on the current 2026-27 roster. That would leave a noticeable hole inside that Wofford will have to fill with returners and new pieces.
What they do well
Wofford is physical and rebounds at a good clip for the SoCon. They shoot free throws well and can grind out close games in conference play. They’re not going to run and gun with NC State, but they’ll try to slow things down, bang on the glass, and keep the score respectable.
Where they struggle
Against higher-level competition last year they got exposed in athleticism and depth. Losses to teams like Ole Miss, Georgia Tech, and Charlotte showed the gap. Outside shooting can be streaky, and if you take away Mundy’s creation, the supporting cast has to step up in a big way.
How it should look for the Pack
This is the classic early-season home opener against a respectable mid-major. NC State has clear advantages in size, athleticism, and overall talent. If the Wolfpack dominates the glass, pressures Mundy into tough decisions, and pushes the pace, it should be a comfortable win. The main danger is coming out flat or letting Wofford dictate a half-court slog.
Expect Wofford to compete and make it physical, they didn’t share a conference title by accident, but the talent gap is real. A focused NC State team should handle business and get the season started on the right note.
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