Debbie Antonelli, a 1986 NC State graduate, has been a major influence in the women’s college basketball circles for over 31 years and has served as an analyst for ESPN in numerous capacities. Her announcing career also includes games for CBS, Fox Sports Net, Big Ten Network, NBATV, Westwood One, in addition to serving as an analyst for the Indiana Fever since the WNBA started in 1997. The Cary, N.C. native became the first woman in nearly 22 years to call an NCAA men’s basketball tournament game when she worked on first-round in 2017. Antonelli was a four-year letterwinner with the Wolfpack under the guidance of legendary head coach Kay Yow, helping NC State to four NCAA Tournament appearances, including two Sweet 16 berths.
In addition to her ACCN women’s basketball duties, Antonelli will also serve as an analyst on ACCN men’s college basketball telecasts.
Her charity work includes an annual free-throw marathon where Antonelli makes 100 free throws every hour for 24 straight hours in her driveway. By doing that and soliciting contributions for each free throw made, the 58-year-old Antonelli has raised close to a million dollars for the Special Olympics. In this conversation, Antonelli talks about motherhood, the start to her broadcasting career in Kentucky, and the evolution of women's basketball.
Sports Legends of the Carolinas is hosted by Scott Fowler. It's produced by Loumay Alesali, Jeff Siner and Kata Stevens. McClatchy's director of audio is Davin Coburn. Our interns on this production are Christina Silvestri and Zoe Williams. For lots more on the show, visit https://www.charlotteobserver.com/sportslegends.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices