The Wolfpacker: An Independent Magazine Covering NC State Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1534227
MAY/JUNE 2025 ■ 33 Their decision to play for Moore proved hugely consequential, and they came away from the experience feeling appre- ciative of the opportunity he provided. "I didn't start here, but I'm just really glad he gave me that second chance to be a part of this culture, a part of this program with these special girls, and a special coaching staff," Hayes said. "I just love everybody, and I wouldn't want to play for any other team in the nation. And I love these girls." Added Rivers, "It's time to retire these jerseys. We have to grow up and move on. But I wouldn't want to play with any- body else. … I'm just glad he gave me a second chance to come in to play for this university." 'Culture Doesn't Graduate' Their college basketball journeys are over, but the WNBA Draft awaits on April 14, where both James and Rivers, the lat- ter a two-time first-team All-ACC and All-Defensive team selection, are pro- jected to be chosen. Although James, Rivers and Hayes are getting ready for the next chapter, Moore noted that their influence on his program transcends what they did on the court. "They're unbelievable, interacting with our fans and with kids and just rep- resenting our program. They're ambas- sadors for our program in an unbelievable way," Moore said. "We're very blessed. It makes the journey a lot more fun when you have players and people like that." Just as the trio was set to depart the podium for the final time, Rivers decided it was time for a selfie. The three friends, along with Moore, huddled together with wide grins that illuminated the room for the group photo. It signaled the end of an era, one that is sure to be celebrated in the years to come. The seniors altered the program's trajec- tory and will be greatly missed. And yet, as always happens in college sports, the time has come to turn the page. When Moore begins his 13th season at NC State later this year, he'll do so know- ing that a tall task lies ahead. But while the Pack will be without its celebrated playmaking trio, the players' influence is sure to linger. Elite returnees such as guards Zoe Brooks and Zamareya Jones and forward Tilda Trygger had a chance to watch and learn, and the experience of being around James, Rivers and Hayes should prove invaluable. "It's tough right now seeing them walk out the door," Moore said. "It's a lot of talent, but it's happened, we've done it before. Culture doesn't graduate, so hopefully we can keep it going." ■ 2024-25 Women's Basketball Results (28-7, 16-2 ACC) Date Opponent Result Nov. 5 East Tennessee State W, 80-55 Nov. 10 vs. South Carolina* L, 71-57 Nov. 14 Kent State W, 79-51 Nov. 17 at Texas Christian L, 76-73 Nov. 21 Coastal Carolina W, 89-68 Nov. 25 vs. Southern** W, 77-47 Nov. 27 vs. LSU** L, 82-65 Dec. 5 Ole Miss^ W, 68-61 Dec. 8 Old Dominion W, 86-55 Dec. 11 Davidson W, 59-57 Dec. 15 at Louisville^^ W, 72-42 Dec. 19 James Madison W, 61-47 Dec. 29 Clemson W, 83-79 Jan. 5 Boston College W, 91-52 Jan. 9 at California L, 78-71 Jan. 12 at Stanford W, 81-67 Jan. 16 Pitt W, 83-67 Jan. 19 Virginia W, 73-68 Jan. 23 at Syracuse W, 74-66 Jan. 26 Virginia Tech W, 85-57 Jan. 30 at Wake Forest W, 90-83 Feb. 3 Duke W, 89-83 Feb. 9 at Florida State W, 97-74 Feb. 13 Miami W, 76-74 Feb. 16 at North Carolina L, 66-65 Feb. 20 at Georgia Tech W, 83-68 Feb. 23 Notre Dame W, 104-95 (2OT) Feb. 27 Wake Forest W, 78-57 Mar. 2 at SMU W, 69-45 Mar. 7 vs. Georgia Tech % W, 73-72 Mar. 8 vs. North Carolina % W, 66-55 Mar. 9 vs. Duke % L, 76-62 Mar. 22 Vermont $ W, 75-55 Mar. 24 Michigan State $ W, 83-49 Mar. 28 vs. LSU # L, 80-73 * Ally Tipoff at Charlotte ** Pink Flamingo Championship at Nassau, Bahamas ^ SEC/ACC Challenge at Reynolds Coliseum ^^ Jimmy V Women's Classic at Louisville, Ky. % ACC Tournament at Greensboro, N.C. $ NCAA Tournament at Reynolds Coliseum # NCAA Tournament at Spokane, Wash. An honorable mention All-American, James led NC State and was tied for sixth in the ACC in scoring with a 17.9-point average. PHOTO COURTESY NC STATE ATHLETICS