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Articles by Connor VanDerMark
NC State tunes up for ACC Championships at Aggie Classic, Duke Twilight
NC State track and field wrapped up its regular season at the Aggie Classic and Duke Twilight, showing out in the Classic before losing some steam in the Twilight. Aggie Classic In nearby Greensboro, the Pack dominated with 10 top-three finishes, including two top-10 program best marks. On Day 1, Graduate Jakerra Covington and sophomore Bradley Pawlak opened the floodgates with second-place finishes in javelin and discus, respectively.
Pack softball swept at No. 20 Stanford
NC State softball’s West Coast trip ended in disappointment as the Pack dropped all three games in its series against No. 20 Stanford, struggling to find early momentum and falling behind quickly in each contest. The Cardinals (30-12, 15-6 ACC) seized control in every game, forcing the Wolfpack (25-20, 6-11 ACC) to play from behind and capitalizing on defensive miscues and high-scoring innings to secure the sweep.
Gloves off, lights out: Canes take physical shutout victory over Senators in Game 1
The Stanley Cup Playoffs. Tensions are high, the stakes even higher. From the opening faceoff, it was clear that the Ottawa Senators wouldn’t bend easily to the top-seeded Carolina Hurricanes. The captains — Ottawa winger Brady Tkachuk and Carolina center Jordan Staal — dropped the gloves as soon as the puck was in play, bringing Lenovo Center to a roar.
Hurricanes squander 2-0 lead to Flyers, secure top seed for first time
Maintaining leads has been something that the Carolina Hurricanes have struggled with all season, and Monday night was no different as Carolina (52-22-7) squandered a 2-0 first-period lead to the Philadelphia Flyers (42-27-12), falling 3-2 in a shootout. But, despite allowing the comeback and giving up what should have been a simple win, the Canes got the point they needed to secure the top seed in the East for the first time in franchise history.
NC State softball sweeps California behind Talley’s historic weekend
Inter-conference series wins are never easy and have been hard to come by for NC State softball. But over the weekend, the Pack (25-17, 6-8 ACC) secured its second ACC-series victory, sweeping California (13-30, 3-15 ACC) behind a rain of fire from the batter’s box and double-digit hits in each game.
Letter from the editor: Hanging up the jersey
For as long as I can remember, I’ve been in love with sports. Whether it was years of season tickets to Orlando Magic games, spending my Sundays in a T.Y. Hilton jersey or spending all of March watching as much college basketball as possible, I’ve been obsessed with the game. Sports represent the best of humanity — the fires of competition, raw emotion, the relentless drive to be better. But if sports have taught me anything, it’s the value of a team.
A legacy of loyalty: The standard awaiting Justin Gainey
Over the last week, there’s been a lot of talk about the word loyalty and what it truly means to NC State. After Will Wade’s departure, NC State hired former player Justin Gainey to lead its men’s basketball program, and Gainey didn’t mince words in his opening press conference. “We’re going to build this program that reflects [Wolfpack nation’s] energy, your toughness and your commitment,” Gainey said.
NC State baseball returns to win column with 7-3 victory over Notre Dame
It’s been a rough go for NC State baseball over the last two weeks. After starting the season 18-4, the Pack went on a seven-game losing streak, tied for the longest in program history. “It’s tough when you lose,” head coach Elliott Avent said. “It eats at you.
COLUMN: Read the fine print, LSU - Wade’s promises aren’t what they seem
It’s been one week since head coach Will Wade’s shocking departure back to LSU, but the drama has anything but calmed down as his name has become taboo in Raleigh. On Monday, Wade made his first public appearance as the head coach of the Tigers, speaking about his plans for the future with the charm and dignity of a used car salesman, but it wasn’t until nearly 40 minutes into the event that Wade finally addressed his betrayal of the Wolfpack.
NC State track and field delivers big weekend hosting Raleigh Relays
NC State track and field spent most of the weekend hosting Raleigh Relays, highlighted by multiple podium finishes, season bests and all-time marks. With just a few events on the first day, senior Luke Thierfelder placed third in the javelin with a season-best 65.45m, marking his second podium finishes in as many meets. On day two, four athletes set season-best marks while others etched their names further into NC State’s all-time record books.
“The Wolfpack ain’t for soft people”: Breaking down Boo Corrigan’s emergency press conference
NC State men’s basketball was promised relevance. It was promised to be a contender. It was promised a reckoning. But former head coach Will Wade decided to forgo all of it, returning to LSU — where he was fired for allegedly paying players — and leaving NC State in the dust despite reaffirming his loyalty to NC State just two weeks ago at the ACC Tournament.
BREAKING: Will Wade set to leave NC State men’s basketball to return to LSU
Just 366 days after his infamous introductory press conference, former men’s basketball head coach Will Wade is set to leave NC State and return to LSU — the same team he was fired from for allegedly paying players.
Too much to handle: Turnovers doom NC State women’s basketball in Round of 32 loss to Michigan
With its leader — junior guard Zoe Brooks — sidelined due to an injury sustained in its Round of 64 game, No. 7 seed NC State women’s basketball couldn’t hang with No. 2 seed Michigan on its home court in Ann Arbor, falling 92-63 and ending its 2025-26 season in the Round of 32. Facing a Michigan (27-6, 15-3 ACC) team that had just one loss at home and without its star player, the odds were stacked against the Pack (21-11, 13-5 ACC), which had just a 15.3% chance of winning according to ESPN.
No. 7 seed NC State women’s basketball dominates in rematch with No. 10 seed Tennessee, advances to Round of 32
It’s rare to see a regular-season rematch in the NCAA Tournament, even rarer in the Round of 64. But after winning its regular-season-opening match against then-No. 8 Tennessee by just three points, No. 7 seed NC State women’s basketball learned from the rest of its regular season matches and took a controlling 76-61 victory over the No. 10 seed Lady Vols to advance to the Round of 32.
Ignore the rumors - Will Wade is focused on NC State
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – If you’re an NC State men’s basketball fan who’s been on social media recently, you’ve likely seen rumors swirling about head coach Will Wade’s “potential return” to LSU.
Nothing given, everything earned: Quadir Copeland’s journey to the spotlight
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — To say it’s been an impressive season for senior guard Quadir Copeland would be an understatement. Copeland has been the engine behind NC State men’s basketball all season, marking career highs in points, assists, steals, field goal percentage, 3-point percentage and assist-to-turnover ratio. He became the third ACC player in the last 30 seasons to have 400+ points and 200+ assists in a single regular season en route to All-ACC Third Team honors.
Perspective of the past: Jordan Snell anchors NC State men’s basketball entering postseason
Just over a month ago, NC State men’s basketball was playing at a historic pace. After starting the season with a 5-3 record, it had won 13 of its last 16 games, including six-straight conference games — the longest regular-season streak since the 1973-74 season. Then reality set in. The Pack finished the season by losing six of its last seven games, with its lone win coming against a then-No. 16 UNC-Chapel Hill squad that was missing its top two scorers.
Senior Nightmare: Stanford spoils NC State men’s basketball sendoff in 85-84 thriller
Senior Night is one of the most cherished traditions in sports. It’s a time to honor the hard work and effort that players have put into the program, sending them off to their professional careers and beyond. It’s a game that you’re meant to look back on and smile.
Heavyweight dreams, lightweight reality: NC State men’s basketball crushed 93-64 by No. 1 Duke
When NC State men’s basketball and Duke meet, history always lingers in the background. Though Duke usually has the upper hand, NC State can claim a few signature wins, including triumphs in the ACC and NCAA tournaments in 2024 and a historic upset against the No. 2 team in the country at Cameron Indoor Stadium in 2017. This Duke team came into Raleigh as the top-ranked squad in the country, but ironically enough, the last time NC State took down the best team in the nation was against Duke.
Pack softball stays perfect at home with 8-1 tromping of Loyola Chicago, sweeps Wolfpack Classic
Early in the season, it was a rocky road for NC State softball. Just 10 games into the season, the red-and-white sat at 3-7, lost without a clear path to follow. But head coach Lindsay Leftwich built her team to fight through the struggle and rise to the occasion. “Our theme for the year is called stack ‘em up,” Leftwich said in the preseason. “It’s kind of like a brick theme, pulling out of NC State and our red bricks and what built us.
Business as usual: Pack women’s basketball handles Wake Forest in final home game
In this world, nothing can be said to be certain, except death, taxes and an NC State women’s basketball win over Wake Forest. In its final game in Reynolds Coliseum of the season, the Pack (19-9, 12-5 ACC) put the Demon Deacons (14-15, 4-13 ACC) to sleep in a 65-56 victory, further cementing its ownership over its Tobacco Road rival and giving Pack fans one final show. “It wasn’t the prettiest thing in the world,” said head coach Wes Moore.
March on the mind: NC State women’s basketball strengthens postseason hopes with win over Syracuse
With just a week until the greatest month in college sports, it can be easy to let your mind wander and dream of buzzer beaters, Cinderella stories and upset victories. But NC State women’s basketball doesn’t have that luxury. Stuck in the middle of a dog fight for that fated double-bye in the upcoming ACC Tournament, every game matters.
“What kind of dog are we?”: Pack women’s basketball stifled 83-65 by No. 9 Duke
DURHAM, N.C. — The stakes for in-state rivalry games are already high, playing for bragging rights and the claim as the best team in the state. The stakes were even higher when NC State women’s basketball traveled down the road to take on No. 9 Duke, looking to get revenge for the 2025 ACC Championship, where the Pack fell to the Blue Devils in Tournament Town.
Tables turned: Pack men’s basketball dominates No. 16 UNC-Chapel Hill in 24-point rout
There are few things better in sports than an in-state collegiate rivalry. On paper, it’s just another game on the calendar. But in reality, there’s much more at stake than a tally in the win or loss column. It’s about bragging rights. It’s about sending a message. It’s personal. When NC State men’s basketball hosted No. 16 UNC-Chapel Hill for their 250th meeting, it was clear that no love was lost between the two teams.
Small rotation, big problem for NC State women’s basketball
We’re less than two weeks away from March and postseason basketball, and NC State women’s basketball has a huge problem. Just last month, the Wolfpack had won 10 of its last 12 games and looked like it would make some noise in the postseason. But over the past few weeks, the Pack has won just four of its last seven, with two of those losses coming in ranked home games against then-No. 9 Louisville and then-No. 25 UNC-Chapel Hill. The difference in those games? The bench depth — or lack thereof.
Freshmen dominate ASICS Sounds Invite as NC State track and field hits the record books again
Valentine’s Day wasn’t the only thing keeping NC State track and field busy as it was split across three states at three different events in North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia. The Wolfpack dominated the field with podium placements and record finishes galore. The ASICS Sounds Invite in nearby Winston-Salem was headlined by star freshman Sadie Engelhardt’s second-place finish in the women’s mile ASICS division.
NC State track and field makes statement at Camel City Invitational
NC State track and field had another commanding weekend of competition, this time at the Camel City Invitational in Winston-Salem, where it had 11 top-three finishes, three event wins and six new additions to the program’s all-time top-10 lists. In the men’s 60m hurdles, junior Xavier Branker ran a 7.97 to take first place in prelims — No. 6 all-time in Wolfpack history — and ran a 7.99 in the final, good for second place.
Proof of the promise: Pack men’s basketball surges to sixth-straight ACC win
Almost 11 months ago, head coach Will Wade gave his famous introductory press conference, where he described a ‘reckoning’ not just for the ACC, but for college basketball. “This is not a rebuild,” Wade said during his first stand at the podium. “We’re gonna be in the top part of the ACC next year, and we’re going to the NCAA Tournament.” A month ago, NC State men’s basketball lost to Georgia Tech in one of the conference’s biggest upsets, falling at home to a team that didn’t have a road win.
NC State women’s basketball suffers heartbreaking 61-59 loss to UNC-Chapel Hill in Play4Kay game
The Play4Kay game is one of the most treasured traditions at NC State. It’s a time to honor the memory and legacy of former head coach Kay Yow by donning pink shirts, raising money for her foundation, honoring breast cancer survivors and, for Wolfpack fans, hopefully watching an NC State women’s basketball win.
Wolfpack track and field shines despite weather-shortened weekend
Despite inclement weather cancelling the second day of NC State track and field’s competitions, it showed out on Friday in the Brant Tolsma Elite Invite and the Bob Pollock Invitational with 13 top-10 finishes across multiple events, including two second-place finishes. At the Brant Tolsma Elite Invite in Lynchburg, Virginia, freshman sensation Saide Engelhardt placed second in the mile invite with a time of 4:32.71, breaking both the meet and facility records during the race.
Copeland’s revenge: Pack men’s basketball downs Orange in 88-68 blowout victory
They say revenge is a dish best served cold, but when senior guard Quadir Copeland’s former team — the Syracuse Orange — came to Raleigh to take on NC State men’s basketball, he had choice words. “It’s personal,” Copeland told Chris Carlson of Syracuse.com. “It’s gonna be a show.” Copeland is known for his on-court antics. His trash talk and excessive celebrations often draw technical fouls from referees and animosity from opposing teams.
NC State women’s basketball needed a voice - Zam Jones answered
When NC State women’s basketball lost its veterans, it didn’t just lose points and minutes — it lost its voice. In the wake of the Wolfpack’s Sweet 16 run last year, it lost its key leaders who got them there in the first place — guards Aziaha James, Saniya Rivers and Madison Hayes. To combat the losses, head coach Wes Moore responded by bringing in four players from both the transfer portal and the recruitment class.
From control to collapse: NC State women’s basketball falls short to No. 9 Louisville in overtime
Eleven seconds. The time it takes to tie your shoe or grab something from the fridge. That’s how close NC State women’s basketball was to stealing a win over No. 9 Louisville, a win that likely would’ve propelled the Wolfpack back into the top 25. With a two-point lead and just 41 seconds on the clock, the red-and-white needed a bucket to seal its upset victory.
NC State men’s basketball buries itself in upset loss to Georgia Tech
As 17.5-point favorites with a 93.7% chance to win on its home court, a victory for NC State men’s basketball against Georgia Tech seemed nearly inevitable. But nothing is that simple. Instead of handling business as it was supposed to, the Wolfpack (12-6, 3-2 ACC) floundered under the bright lights and fell 78-74 to the Yellow Jackets (11-8, 2-4 ACC) as they got their first road win of the season. “They played harder than us,” said senior guard Quadir Copeland.
Why not let it fly: The new identity of Pack men’s basketball
NC State men’s basketball head coach Will Wade made headlines for months after his hiring with his bold claims and promises, at that time, were unsubstantiated. But one statement was well warranted after his squad tied the program record for made 3-pointers in a single game in his first game at the helm.
Wolfpack women’s basketball downs California, extends win streak
Time heals all wounds. Just one month after a 5-4 start, NC State women’s basketball finds itself on a six-game winning streak following a 71-60 win over California. Though the Golden Bears (9-7, 0-3 ACC) sit towards the bottom of the conference, they gave the Wolfpack (11-4, 4-0 ACC) a run for its money in the first half, pushing for a 37-36 halftime score. But NC State emerged from the locker room with renewed energy and held California to single digits in the third quarter.
Once booed, now beloved: The Quadir Copeland experience
Over the last few seasons, NC State men’s basketball has faced a plethora of ‘villains’, whether it was Armando Bacot and RJ Davis at UNC-Chapel Hill or Kyle Filipowski at Duke. But, Tobacco Road rivalries aside, none irritated Pack fans more in a single game quite like a now-familiar trash-talker. In 2023, NC State hosted Syracuse in a midweek ACC match just weeks before the postseason.
NC State women’s basketball steamrolls Georgia Tech 87-58 in home ACC opener
Hopes were high for NC State women’s basketball in its home conference opener against Georgia Tech at Reynolds Coliseum. Winning four of its last five games, NC State had all the momentum heading into the matchup, but by the end of the first quarter, it looked like it would be a shootout. NC State led 26-20 as both teams laced shots from all around the court, and was on pace to allow 80 points for just the second time this season.
McNeil’s record-breaking performance steals the show against Texas Southern
The Heritage Game at Reynolds Coliseum is a staple of NC State men’s basketball, a way to honor the Old Barn’s time and history. But on Wednesday against Texas Southern, sophomore guard Paul McNeil Jr. rewrote that history. With senior forward Darrion Williams — the Pack’s No. 1 option — out with a shoulder injury, McNeil took it upon himself to put the Wolfpack (8-4) on his back, recording a career-high 47 points.
No. 15 NC State men’s soccer falls to Washington in overtime of national championship match
CARY, N.C. — It’s the hope that kills. After erasing a two-goal deficit to force a golden-goal overtime, No. 15 NC State men’s soccer conceded the deciding goal less than two minutes into extra time in a 3-2 loss to Washington, ending its first national championship appearance in program history. On a cold night at First Horizon Stadium, the Wolfpack (16-2-4) looked dead in the water.
NC State men’s basketball falls 77-76 to No. 19 Kansas in overtime thriller
Expectations were high for NC State men’s basketball when No. 19 Kansas came to town. Fresh off a 40-point blowout victory and preparing to play in front of a striped-out home crowd, even the sportsbooks favored the Wolfpack. Featuring 13 ties and 15 lead changes, neither team could pull ahead of the other. Senior guard Quadir Copeland had a chance to win the game at the regulation buzzer with a short floater, but it was just off, leading to five minutes of bonus basketball.
NC State men’s soccer clinches first National Championship berth in program history
History didn’t back NC State men’s soccer. Prior to Friday night, it had played Saint Louis four times in program history and hadn’t secured a single win. Additionally, it had never made it past the semifinals, most recently falling in 1990. But head coach Marc Hubbard makes his own path.
Wolfpack smothers Flames in 40-point blowout
The world of college basketball is cold and unforgiving. Sometimes you can win by 40 points, and just four days later lose by the same amount. Such was the case for Liberty as it traveled to Raleigh to take on NC State men’s basketball. Coming off a 42-point win over Coppin State, hopes were high for one of the top mid-majors.
NC State women’s basketball fights through adversity, rallies for 61-53 win over Seton Hall
It’s been a rough week for NC State women’s basketball. Coming off a three-game road trip, it came home just in time for final exams. And as if that wasn’t enough, a stomach bug spread through the team, keeping multiple players and coaches out of practice throughout the week.
Lubin’s dominant second half leads NC State men’s basketball past UNC Asheville
NC State men’s basketball head coach Will Wade had some stark words following senior forward Ven-Allen Lubin’s transfer in June from North Carolina to the Wolfpack — the first player to directly transfer between the Tobacco Road rivals. “The other school was too dumb to play him.” The remark became a major talking point of the offseason, with Tar Heel fans criticizing the move and Wolfpack fans defending their new acquisition.
Pack women’s basketball falls short in overtime thriller at No. 9 Oklahoma
It’s no secret that NC State women’s basketball hasn’t been anywhere close to the lofty expectations set upon it in the preseason. With the second-highest average opponent NET ranking amongst Power Four schools and a 1-2 record against ranked opponents, the odds weren’t great for its ACC/SEC Challenge matchup at No. 9 Oklahoma. Facing the No. 1 rebounding team in the nation in the most hostile environment it’s played in all season, it seemed as though all hope was lost.
NC State swimming dominates Wolfpack Elite Invite with 23 first place finishes
In its final competition of 2025, NC State swim secured two team victories to end the first semester of the season. The Pack closed the meet with a final score of 3546.50, over 500 points clear of second place Auburn, which finished with a score of 2946.50. It was a complete steamroll of the seven-team field as the women finished with a score of 1781.50, routing second-place Auburn by over 200 points. The men followed suit, closing with a score of 1765 and earning another first place finish.
No. 10 NC State women’s basketball’s shooting woes exposed in 69-59 loss to No. 17 TCU
A third ranked matchup in four games. The first ranked matchup of the season in Reynolds Coliseum. The return of former Notre Dame guard Olivia Miles, who fell in double overtime the last time she was in Raleigh. The stage was set for No. 10 NC State women’s basketball, facing No. 17 TCU. But under the bright lights, the Wolfpack (2-2) crumbled, falling 69-59 to the Horned Frogs (4-0). “Energy is the biggest thing we need right now,” said sophomore forward Tilda Trygger.
Canes’ comeback attempt falls short in 4-3 overtime loss to Oilers
Who doesn’t love extra hockey? On the second night of a back-to-back, the Carolina Hurricanes found themselves heading into overtime for a second consecutive game. It was a long, arduous climb to reach extra minutes. After falling behind 2-0 in the first seven minutes, the Canes (12-5-1) managed to tie it at two apiece at the beginning of the second period. Even when the Edmonton Oilers (9-7-4) took the lead in the third, center Jordan Staal tied it just 60 seconds later.
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