The Wolfpacker: An Independent Magazine Covering NC State Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1532241
26 ■ THE WOLFPACKER BY NOAH FLEISCHMAN ach time Debbie Antonelli walks into Reynolds Coli- seum to broadcast an NC State women's basketball game for ESPN's family of networks, she takes a mo- ment to look down at the script to the left and right of midcourt. It's a moment of appreciation. A mo- ment of reflection. Antonelli, a four-year player for the Wolfpack, always takes time to look at the words she fought so hard to get added to the hardwood in 2007: Kay Yow Court. As she did with so many who passed through NC State during the 34 years she led the program, Yow made an im- pact on Antonelli. Often, the legendary coach's name will come up when her former player is calling a game involv- ing the Wolfpack. Antonelli will recall something Yow taught her or how her life was an inspiration. But when Antonelli walked onto the Pack's playing surface on Jan. 16, there was a familiar name hanging not too far from Yow's — her own. NC State en- shrined the former team captain into its Ring of Honor for her work as a col- lege basketball broadcaster. The newest banner to go up inside the storied build- ing features Antonelli's name in a bold, black font with a red headset directly underneath it. For Antonelli, who grew up in nearby Cary, the honor brought back memories of how her basketball journey began. "It's hard to put it into words because it means so much to me," she said. "It's a great reflection back on that 13-year- old little girl who sat on the railing at Reynolds and learned that women could play basketball in college and could get a scholarship for doing it. … It's very humbling." Fulfilling A Dream Antonelli had grown up with the goal of playing at NC State from the first time she set foot inside Reynolds Coliseum and had attended every Yow- hosted basketball camp and clinic she E An NC State alumna and longtime broadcaster, Antonelli was saluted during the Wolfpack's game against Pitt on Jan. 16. PHOTO COURTESY NC STATE ATHLETICS RAISING THE ROOF Debbie Antonelli Is Grateful To Be Enshrined In NC State's Ring Of Honor