Saniya Rivers, a star guard for the NC State Wolfpack, is making an impression in women’s college basketball. Her journey is deeply rooted in a family that is quite passionate about the sport.
She commenced her college career with the South Carolina Gamecocks in 2021. As a freshman, Rivers appeared in 27 games and helped the Gamecocks win the national championship.
Who Are Saniya Rivers’ Parents? Take a Look at Her Athletic Family
Saniya Rivers was born and raised in Wilmington, North Carolina, the daughter of Jimmy Donnell Rivers and Dee Dee Toon Rivers, both former college basketball players.
Her father, Jimmy Donnell Rivers, attended Elon and Hoggard High School, where he played basketball. Standing 6’3″, his athletic prowess was apparent, and he passed on his enthusiasm for the game to his children. He affectionately refers to Saniya’s lengthy arms as “Inspector Gadget” arms, emphasizing her massive wingspan.
Her mother, Dee Dee Toon Rivers, demonstrated her basketball abilities at the North Carolina-Wilmington. At 5’11”, she made a considerable contribution to Saniya’s athletic genes. Aside from sports, Dee Dee works as an analyst at Verizon and has a close relationship with Saniya, sharing countless lighthearted moments.
Saniya is the youngest of four siblings, including her half-sister, Nanna Rivers, who played for NC State from 2000 to 2004, leading her team to the Sweet Sixteen and winning tournament MVP honors.
She continued her basketball career internationally before switching to coaching and officiating. The sisters have a solid friendship and frequently compete in push-up contests over FaceTime.
Saniya Rivers’ College Hoops Career So Far
Rivers started dribbling a basketball at the age of two and was playing in recreational leagues by the age of four. During her senior year at Eugene Ashley High School, she averaged 34.3 points, 12.1 rebounds, 6.1 steals, and 5.8 assists per game.
She won the 2021 Gatorade National Player of the Year award and was named a McDonald’s All-American.
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The guard went to N.C. State after serving her freshman year at South Carolina, where she propelled the team to win the national championship. Her performance continued to ascend, earning her ACC Sixth Player of the Year and All-ACC First Team honors.
Rivers’ success in collegiate basketball is the outcome of a combination of gifted skill, intense training, and a supportive family background entrenched in the sport. As she continues to excel, her family’s influence remains a pillar of her success.
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