The red and white jerseys flash across Reynolds Coliseum as another sold-out crowd roars. The NC State Wolfpack women’s basketball team wrapped the 2024-25 season with a 28-7 record and finished 16-2 in ACC play to capture the conference regular season championship. This wasn’t luck. This was the continuation of a program built to compete at the highest level.
The Wolfpack has become one of college basketball’s most consistent winners. Just one year prior, in 2024, NC State reached its first Final Four since 1998—a moment that sent shockwaves through Raleigh and announced the program’s return to elite status.
What This Article Covers:
This guide explores the NC State Wolfpack women’s basketball program from every angle. You’ll discover how coach Wes Moore transformed the team into a national contender, learn about the star players driving success, understand what makes Reynolds Coliseum such a tough venue, and get the latest on the 2024-25 season results.
The Wes Moore Era: Building a Winner
Wes Moore was hired as NC State’s head women’s basketball coach on April 5, 2013. His arrival marked the beginning of a remarkable transformation.
A Coach with Proven Success
Moore has 857 career wins, ranking second among active Division I women’s basketball coaches. That number places him fourth overall among both men’s and women’s active coaches. His track record speaks volumes.
Before NC State, Moore spent 15 seasons at UT Chattanooga, where he built a dynasty. He led the Lady Mocs to 12 Southern Conference regular season titles and nine conference tournament championships. Moore is the first coach in history to advance three different teams to the NCAA Tournament at the Division I, II, and III levels.
Awards and Recognition
Moore’s coaching excellence has earned consistent recognition:
- ACC Coach of the Year: 2017, 2022, 2025
- WBCA National Coach of the Year: 2021
- Naismith Coach of the Year: Four-time finalist (2014, 2019, 2021, 2022)
In 2016-17, Moore became the first NC State women’s basketball coach to win ACC Coach of the Year in the program’s 43-year history.
The Kay Yow Connection
Moore’s relationship with NC State runs deep. From 1993-95, Moore served as women’s basketball assistant coach at NC State under legendary head coach Kay Yow. During that stint, the Wolfpack reached the Sweet 16. This connection to Kay Yow’s legacy adds special meaning to Moore’s work.
The 2023-24 Final Four Run
The 2023-24 season saw NC State enter with a 31-6 overall record and make its second Final Four appearance in program history. Starting the season unranked made the achievement even more impressive.
Tournament Dominance
The Wolfpack’s path to Cleveland was nothing short of spectacular:
- First Round: Defeated Chattanooga (home)
- Second Round: Beat Tennessee (home)
- Sweet 16: Knocked off Stanford by double digits
- Elite Eight: Dominated Texas by double digits
Aziaha James hit her sixth three-pointer of the game in the Elite Eight against Texas to help secure the Final Four berth. The guard-driven team found its rhythm when it mattered most.
The Final Four Experience
NC State faced top-ranked and undefeated South Carolina in the national semifinal on April 5, 2024, in Cleveland. The game was competitive at halftime, with NC State trailing just 32-31. However, South Carolina’s third-quarter surge proved insurmountable, and the Gamecocks won 78-59.
Despite the loss, the Wolfpack received a hero’s welcome home. Thousands of fans celebrated a season that exceeded expectations and reminded everyone that NC State belongs among the nation’s elite.
2024-25 Season: Sustained Excellence
The momentum continued into 2024-25. NC State started the season ranked ninth in the AP poll and carried high expectations throughout the campaign.
Season Highlights
| Category | Result |
|---|---|
| Overall Record | 28-7 |
| ACC Record | 16-2 (Co-Champions) |
| Final AP Ranking | No. 9 |
| NCAA Tournament | Sweet 16 |
| Home Record | 16-2 at Reynolds Coliseum |
The Wolfpack navigated a challenging schedule that included games against defending national champion South Carolina and perennial power LSU. NC State defeated Vermont and Michigan State at home before falling to LSU 80-73 in the Sweet 16.
Key Victories
Several wins defined the season:
- Defeated Duke twice (once in overtime)
- Beat ranked Florida State
- Took down Ole Miss at home
- Swept most ACC opponents during conference play
The Wolfpack defeated Notre Dame 104-95 in double overtime, showcasing their resilience in close games. The team went 4-0 in overtime contests during stretches of the season.
Star Players and Team Identity
Aziaha James: The Dynamic Guard
James emerged as one of college basketball’s premier guards. Her ability to score from anywhere on the court made her nearly impossible to defend. James averaged 15.8 points per game during the regular season but elevated to 24.3 points per game in the NCAA tournament.
Her clutch gene appeared in the biggest moments. She consistently delivered when the Wolfpack needed buckets, especially from beyond the arc.
Saniya Rivers: The Two-Way Threat
Rivers provided scoring punch and defensive versatility. Her well-rounded game made her indispensable. She could guard multiple positions while contributing double-digit scoring and rebounds.
Zoe Brooks: The Floor General
Brooks ran the offense with poise and precision. Brooks led the team with 4.0 assists per contest and earned ACC Most Improved Player honors—the first NC State player to receive that award.
Supporting Cast
Madison Hayes brought senior leadership and rebounding. Tilda Trygger earned ACC All-Freshman Team recognition, showing promise for the future.
Reynolds Coliseum: A Fortress
Since its renovation in August 2016, NC State is 117-15 (.886) in home games at Reynolds Coliseum. That’s among the best home records in women’s college basketball.
Why It’s Special
The renovated Reynolds Coliseum creates an intimidating atmosphere. The intimate setting puts fans right on top of the action. When 5,600 fans pack the building, the noise becomes overwhelming for opponents.
The program reported 11 sellouts of its 16 home games in 2024-25. This level of fan support gives NC State a massive advantage.
Historic Venue
Reynolds Coliseum opened in 1949 and carries decades of basketball history. The 2016 renovation modernized facilities while maintaining the building’s classic character. Playing there connects current players to NC State’s rich basketball tradition.
Program Trajectory and Future Outlook
The numbers tell a clear story. Moore’s 857 career wins rank second among active Division I women’s basketball coaches. At NC State specifically, he’s built sustained success rather than fleeting moments.
Recruiting Success
Moore and his staff consistently attract top talent. The combination of competitive ACC play, a passionate fanbase, and modern facilities makes NC State an attractive destination.
Coaching Staff Excellence
Associate head coach Nikki West is in her 10th season at NC State and has worked with Moore for 20 years. This staff continuity creates consistency in teaching and culture.
Assistant coaches Kevin Leatherwood, Brittany Morris, and Ashley Williams each bring specific expertise. Williams played for Moore at NC State from 2013-17, adding a connection to recent program history.
The Bottom Line
The NC State Wolfpack women’s basketball program stands among the nation’s elite. Coach Wes Moore has built something special in Raleigh—a consistent winner that competes for conference titles and makes deep tournament runs.
With a 28-7 record and ACC championship in 2024-25, plus the Final Four appearance the previous season, the trajectory points upward. Reynolds Coliseum provides one of college basketball’s best home courts. The recruiting remains strong. The coaching is proven.
The Wolfpack has arrived. More importantly, they’re here to stay. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the program, this is an exciting time to follow NC State women’s basketball.
Featured Snippet
What is NC State Wolfpack women’s basketball known for? NC State women’s basketball is a top ACC program that reached the 2024 Final Four under coach Wes Moore. The team plays at Reynolds Coliseum, won the 2025 ACC regular season title with a 16-2 conference record, and consistently ranks among the nation’s top 15 teams.
