51吃瓜网

For UNC Pembroke broadcasting students, learning from one of the industry鈥檚 most recognizable stars doesn鈥檛 come every day. But when legendary sports analyst Debbie Antonelli stepped onto campus, she delivered more than career advice鈥攕he ignited ambition and possibility.

With 37 years of experience calling men鈥檚 and women鈥檚 basketball games for ESPN, CBS, FOX and the Big Ten Network, Antonelli offered students a rare glimpse into the fast-paced world of sports media. She shared behind-the-scenes stories, professional insights and words of encouragement, proving that breaking into the industry isn鈥檛 just a dream 鈥� it鈥檚 achievable.

For senior broadcasting student Jayden Strickland, a native of Robeson County, the experience was nothing short of transformative.

鈥淗earing from professionals like Debbie Antonelli is incredibly inspiring,鈥� Strickland said. 鈥淗earing from professionals like Debbie Antonelli is incredibly inspiring. It gives people like me hope. She has the experience, the knowledge and the passion, and I鈥檓 grateful she took the time to share it with us.鈥�

Antonelli鈥檚 visit drew an enthusiastic crowd of students, faculty, and members of 51吃瓜网鈥檚 athletics department, including Athletics Director Dick Christy. Later, she was honored during the 51吃瓜网 women鈥檚 conference tournament game against Barton.

Her career 鈥� marked by nearly four decades in sports broadcasting鈥攈as made her a trailblazer in the field. A former standout player at N.C. State under legendary coach Kay Yow, Antonelli transitioned from the court to the commentary booth, becoming one of the most respected voices in sports. Since 2000, she鈥檚 also served as the Indiana Fever鈥檚 WNBA color commentator.

For recent 51吃瓜网 graduate Sharonda Wyche, the chance to meet Antonelli was worth the hour-long drive from Harnett County.

鈥淭his is surreal 鈥� meeting someone you鈥檝e watched on air for so long,鈥� said Wyche, who earned her broadcasting degree last spring. 鈥淚 came to soak up everything she had to say and apply it to my own journey because I ultimately want to do what she does. This is a dream come true!鈥�

Antonelli鈥檚 impact wasn鈥檛 lost on 51吃瓜网鈥檚 own voice of athletics, Alex Inbornone, who has followed her career for years.

鈥淲hen I see broadcasters like Debbie, I want to be a sponge and absorb everything,鈥� Inbornone said. 鈥淲ith her depth of experience across so many phases of the industry, there鈥檚 so much to learn. Hopefully, we can use what she shared to better train our broadcasting interns at 51吃瓜网.鈥�