The Wolfpack welcomed two transfers
and four scholarship freshmen to the team
this year. Rivers said she is used to leading
with her actions, but she is more vocal
around her new teammates.
"It's a big respect thing," she said. "I
think they respect me a lot. They think
I know what I'm talking about. I think I
know what I'm talking about, too. We just
all love each other, so that helps."
During the offseason, Rivers put a lot
of effort into creating chemistry with
the team's newcomers. They host game
nights together, listen to music and go to
volleyball matches.
For the Wolfpack, quality time like that
can have a beneficial impact on the team.
"We get along great off the court," Riv-
ers said. "I make sure that we do some
bonding because I feel like we lacked in
that just a little bit last year. It's definitely
very effective when it comes to playing
together on the court."
The guard said everyone clicked quickly
when the program's newcomers and
the five returning players all met ear-
lier this year, creating the family feeling
she searched for when transferring from
South Carolina.
After finishing the 2022-23 season with
a 20-12 overall record and a first-round
exit at the NCAA Tournament, NC State
retooled its roster. Rivers said there's a
different vibe around this Wolfpack
squad.
"It just feels like the spark is back," she
Rivers was NC State's leading rebounder and
fifth-leading scorer last season, averaging 5.2
boards and 8.6 points per game.
PHOTOS COURTESY NC STATE ATHLETICS
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 ■ 35
