NC State women playing in fifth Sweet 16 since 2018, and they’re feeling good

N.C. State feels good going into the NCAA Sweet 16 in Portland. The Wolfpack locker room was full of laughs on Thursday as it prepared for its matchup against Stanford.

Plenty has been written about the two teams, their players and the game, but what makes N.C. State special? The coaches and players have tons of fun together and are unified in all they do.

Most teams say that, but how many programs perform runway walks down the aisle of an airplane? Saniya Rivers posted a video on Wednesday of herself, Aziaha James — wearing an oversized blanket hoodie — and associate head coach Nikki West strutting their stuff.

“That’s an everyday thing for us,” Mimi Collins said. “You guys got to see a glimpse of what this team actually looks like, and the unity that we have with each other. The coaches are involved with it. You can just see that we’re close from top to bottom.”

The No. 3 seed Wolfpack (29-6) faces No. 2 seed Stanford (30-5) at 7:30 Friday on ESPN.

Here’s what you need to know about the team before it tips off against the Cardinal.

KP makes her return home and to the Big Sky

Transfer Katie Peneueta grew up in Vancouver, Washington, across the Columbia River from Portland, so she’s the Wolfpack’s personal tour guide.

Peneueta said it means a lot to return to her old stomping grounds and that elementary school teachers have even contacted her to show support. She called it a “full circle moment.”

Additionally, the Wolfpack practiced on Wednesday at Portland State University — another place Peneueta knows well.

The junior transferred to N.C. State after spending two years at Sacramento State. The Hornets, like Portland State, play in the Big Sky Conference.

“It was so crazy. I was telling everybody, ‘Oh yeah, I’m undefeated in this gym,’” Peneueta said. “I was wondering if we were going to practice at Portland State when we came here. So just being back in the gym that I never thought I would be in again was a crazy experience.”

Jannah Eissa practicing Ramadan, wearing hijab

College basketball fans have heard plenty about Mo Diarra on the N.C. State men’s basketball team and his impressive postseason performances, despite playing during Ramadan. The Wolfpack women have freshman walk-on Jannah Eissa doing the same.

Survive. Advance. Eat? NC State’s Mohamed Diarra playing through Ramadan fast

Eissa, from Cairo, Egypt, said fasting is tough, but she appreciates the support from her team. They often ask when she can eat and drink. The trainers make sure to give her something on the bench. She thought it would be difficult, but the Pack has taken care of her. And, she’s really happy to see Diarra’s successful run.

“Everyone’s supporting me even though I’m different than anyone here. I never thought it would be that supportive,” Eissa said. “I really love it here. I cherish everything and I appreciate everything that they’re doing for me…they made it feel like home.”

In addition to her fast, Eissa recently became the first ACC basketball player to wear a hijab during competition. It means a lot to be an example for other young girls and represent her religion positively.

“It’s something bigger than basketball,” Eissa said. “Wearing the hijab is not gonna stop them from doing anything. And, what others are banning, here we are in the ACC. They’re not banning it, and we’re doing totally fine.”

Favorite Wes Moore saying

The Wolfpack head coach is known for his iconic quotes, and his team has plenty of opinions on his most common adages.

Several players said their favorite Moore-isms are either his passionate “Alright, alright, alright” or his McDonald’s french fries metaphor. Moore often says he wants his teams to be just like McDonald’s fries: no matter where in the world you get them, they’re always consistent.

Wes Moore doesn’t curse

Like North Carolina head coach Hubert Davis, fans won’t catch Moore cussing in practice or on the bench.

Davis is known for saying “bejeebies” and “What the fart,” while Moore goes a more traditional route. Laci Steele and Lizzy Williamson said Moore isn’t afraid to use “darn,” “crap,” “shoot” and “What the heck?” Even then, Williamson said he often feels bad.

When he gets really mad? He just walks away.

“You know what he’s trying to say,” Collins said, noting he gives them a long pause, “But he won’t say it.”

How Hubert Davis’ wacky words of wisdom motivated UNC to a win over Wake Forest

Other things to know

Zoe Brooks listens to sermons from her hometown church before games. She says when her pastor starts screaming that gets her hyped up.

River Baldwin most recently read the book, “One Step too Far” by Lisa Gardner. The novel is about a woman who travels the world solving cold cases.

The locker room is in agreement that Brooks is the craziest and most adventurous person on the team, despite the freshman’s claims that she spends her free time in the library reading.

N.C. State got a tour of the Adidas headquarters, where the company gave the team merch and showed its highlights on the big screen in its lobby.

James said freshman Alyssa Lewis is the nicest person on the team. She’s pretty quiet, but she’s funny. Lewis admits she likes to listen to country music before games.

Baldwin wears a piece of black tape on her ear to cover a piercing. Many players cover piercings with skin-toned bandages, but hers is the most noticeable.