The Wolfpacker: An Independent Magazine Covering NC State Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1389905
JULY/AUGUST 2021 ■ 11 TRACKING THE PACK Raina Perez Graduate point guard Raina Perez is returning for the 2021-22 campaign after helping NC State win its second consecutive ACC Tournament title last season. The 5-4 guard from Goodyear, Ariz., transferred to NC State from Cal State Fullerton last summer. In the season prior, she was named the Big West Conference Player of the Year and was considered the fifth-best graduate transfer in the country by ESPN in 2020. In 25 appearances that included 23 starts, Perez averaged 9.5 points and 3.4 rebounds per game. She also led the team and finished second in the ACC with 4.7 assists per contest. Perez permanently etched her name in Wolfpack basketball history when she sank the game-winning jumper against Louisville with 2.1 seconds remain- ing in the championship game of the 2021 ACC Tournament, the Pack's second consecutive and sixth overall conference title in program history. Favorite movie: "'Good Will Hunting.'" Favorite sport to watch other than basketball: "Tennis." An athlete you look up to: "[All-Star WNBA point guard] Sue Bird." Favorite pro sports team: "Phoenix Suns." Favorite class so far at NC State: "HESM 477 Coaching Concepts." Favorite restaurant around campus: "Cava." Favorite memory from being on the basketball team: "Hitting the game-winner in the 2021 ACC championship game." What you see yourself doing once your playing career is over: "Opening my own coffee shop." Favorite place to study or hang out around campus: "Talley Student Union." One word to describe head coach Wes Moore: "Passionate." — Justin H. Williams GETTING TO KNOW A PERCENTAGE OF EVERY HOME SALE GOES TO SUPPORT ALZHEIMER'S RESEARCH AND CARE. McKeeHomesNC.com | 910-672-7296 PROUD TO SUPPORT THE NC STATE WOLFPACK Faye eville | Raleigh | Pinehurst | Wilmington Perez was a top-10 finalist for the Lieberman Award, which annually honors the top point guard in women's college basketball. PHOTO COURTESY NC STATE ATHLETICS