Saniya Rivers: A Debut Defined by Heart
For most rookies, their “Welcome to the W” moment typically serves as a reminder of the talent gap between college and the pros. For Saniya Rivers, however, her WNBA debut told a different story. Her story is one of resilience, strength, and the power of turning pain into purpose—a testament to the human spirit's ability to reveal its strength in times of unimaginable adversity.
Finding Her Fit
(AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Saniya’s collegiate journey began at the University of South Carolina, where she faced the harsh realities that many talented high school players encounter at the next level. Averaging just 2.3 points with a field goal percentage of 24.5%, Rivers struggled to find her place within the Gamecocks’ system. Despite winning the National Championship that year, Rivers entered the transfer portal, seeking a program that would complement her developmental journey.
Building Her Wolfpack Legacy
(Getty/Icon Sportswire)
Rivers found her perfect fit at NC State under coach Wes Moore, where her impact was immediate and undeniable.
In the 2022-23 season, her first with the Wolfpack, Saniya emerged as a dominant power off the bench, earning her the title of ACC Sixth Player of the Year. Her versatility was remarkable, as she averaged better stats and nearly doubled her field goal percentage. She also saw big improvements in her game's less visible aspects, such as her three-point percentage, and she quickly became a defensive force, often leading the team in steals and blocks.
Rivers' junior season elevated her from role player to star. Her First-Team All-ACC and ACC All-Defensive Team selections validated what fans had been witnessing time and time again. She improved virtually every aspect of her game and began showcasing her abilities as a two-way player. Perhaps most impressive was her ability to average 5.5 defensive rebounds as a 6'1" guard, a true testament to her court awareness and tenacity, and a statistic that goes beyond the box score. That season NC State made history, making it to their first Final Four in 26 years, only their second time ever.
(AP/Karl B. DeBlaker)
Her signature performance came against UConn, where she erupted for a career-high 33 points while recording her first double-double with 10 rebounds. Rivers demonstrated the flexibility that would make her such an attractive WNBA prospect. When the ball found her hands, regardless of defensive pressure, it seemed destined for the basket.
Rivers' final season at NC State showcased a complete player at the peak of her powers. Leading the team in assists, steals, blocks, and defensive rebounds while recording a career-high nine double-doubles, she once again earned First-Team All-ACC and ACC All-Defensive Team honors, plus another AP All-America Honorable Mention.
(AP/Ben McKeown)
One of the most remarkable games across the league this season was NC State’s thrilling double-overtime victory against No. 1 Notre Dame. Saniya was instrumental in guiding the 13th-ranked Wolfpack to that upset, with a near triple-double recorded on her stat line. That game, alongside her teammates performance, proved that ranks don't matter as much as grit and heart.
Though their tournament run ended in the Elite Eight, Rivers had positioned herself perfectly for the WNBA Draft. Her statistical achievement spoke volumes: she became the only player in program history to record at least 1,100 points, 600 rebounds, 350 assists, 180 steals, and 100 blocks—accomplishing this feat in just three seasons.
From Dream to Devastation
(AP/Pamela Smith)
Rivers' defensive firepower and versatile game made her a top prospect in the 2025 WNBA Draft, where she was selected 8th overall by the Connecticut Sun. With the Sun in a rebuild, they were keenly looking to acquire young, position-flexible talent to build their new foundation. While some might view Connecticut as an undesirable franchise in a rebuilding phase, it offered Rivers the invaluable opportunity for significant minutes, a crucial element for a rookie looking to make her mark across the league.
Following the draft and her introductory press conferences, Rivers' world suddenly shifted. In late April, her mother, Demetria "Dee Dee" Toon Rivers, passed away unexpectedly, devastating news for the freshly drafted rookie. Rivers immediately returned home to Wilmington, North Carolina, to be with her family, missing significant portions of training camp, preseason games, and the regular-season opener.
As John Green observed, "Grief does not change you. It reveals you." This truth would define Rivers' next chapter.
An Emotional Debut Forged in Fearlessness
Despite missing crucial preparation time, Rivers' brief training camp appearances proved sufficient to secure her roster spot. Two weeks after losing her mother, she made her WNBA debut against the Las Vegas Aces in what became an inspirational masterclass.
Even with limited practice time and battling through an emotionally exhausting state, her presence was immediately felt. Checking into the game with 3:51 remaining in the first quarter, she quickly drew a foul and sank both free throws for her first career WNBA points. Rivers proceeded to show Mohegan Sun Arena exactly the type of player she is defensively, finishing with two steals and one block in only 25 minutes. Notably, two of those pivotal defensive stops came against "Point Gawd" Chelsea Gray, a player Rivers deeply admires and is often compared to.
As Rivers checked out in the fourth quarter, the raw emotion of the night became palpable, highlighted by a heartfelt embrace with Coach Meziane.
When asked about the significance of her performance in the post-game conference, Rivers, visibly choked up, spoke about the profound importance of carrying out her mother’s wishes for her to pursue her dreams. It was a moment where she allowed herself to fully express her grief and dedication.
Saniya Rivers’ performance was a testament to how pain can unearth our truest strengths and ability to persevere. It was a "Welcome to the W" moment not of a rookie enduring hard lessons but of a young woman demonstrating an unwavering spirit and profound character in the face of life's deepest challenges. We can't wait to watch Saniya continue to shine on the court on a team that is lucky to have her, playing with a purpose that extends far beyond a forty-minute game.