University of North Carolina Ashville Athletics
Debbie Antonelli to be Honored with Trailblazer Award at “Our Turn To Play”
03.23.2022 | Athletics News
Story written by Courtney O’Malley
ASHEVILLE, N.C. - Annually, at the "Our Turn To Play" Scholarship Dinner, UNC Asheville looks to recognize one individual who has become a pioneer in their respective field with the "Trailblazer" Award. This year, it is UNC Asheville's pleasure to honor college basketball analyst, Debbie Antonelli with the award.
The winner of this award is an individual who embodies the characteristics of a natural-born leader, who has paved the way for others, broken barriers, and taken risks to get to where they are. Because of their work ethic, attitude, courage, and determination, a trailblazer leaves a path and legacy for their successors to look up to.
A native of North Carolina and graduate of North Carolina State, Bulldog fans should be familiar with Antonelli who served as the emcee for the inaugural "Celebration on the Court" this past October. Antonelli began her career in athletics as a star student-athlete, leading the Wolfpack to four Women's NCAA Tournament appearances. She later got into coaching and athletic administration, before finally finding her true calling as a basketball analyst and sports broadcaster. Antonelli has since spent 34 years in the television industry, sharing the stories of collegiate athletes to homes all across the country, and was recently inducted into the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame. Antonelli has spent time broadcasting with ESPN, the ACC network, the Big Ten Network, CBS Sports, and FOX. On top of all of this, she has worked behind the scenes to improve the Women's NCAA Tournament, fighting for equitable treatment and resources for female athletes compared to their male counterparts.
On being named the Trailblazer Award recipient, Antonelli stated, "This is not an award I accept without the sacrifice and support of my family, Team Antonelli. My family is my motivation and determination. There are so many that have helped me in this incredible career journey. I absolutely love sharing this great game of basketball with everyone in my path!"
In addition to all of her career accomplishments, Antonelli has mentored and assisted numerous coaches in their careers. Even after her coaching career came to a close, Antonelli continued to hold clinics and camps for young athletes. She has also dedicated much of her life to supporting the Special Olympics and her middle son, Frankie, who was born with special needs, through her 24 Hours Nothing but Net Fundraiser.
The Trailblazer Award will be presented to Antonelli at the "Our Turn To Play" Scholarship Dinner on Tuesday, April 26th at 6:00 pm. She will be in attendance to personally accept the award and speak about the honor and importance of the work she has done in the women's sports world.
For more information about purchasing tickets, sponsorships, or making a donation for the "Our Turn To Play" event, visit our page here or contact Betsy Blose at bblose@unca.edu.
The winner of this award is an individual who embodies the characteristics of a natural-born leader, who has paved the way for others, broken barriers, and taken risks to get to where they are. Because of their work ethic, attitude, courage, and determination, a trailblazer leaves a path and legacy for their successors to look up to.
A native of North Carolina and graduate of North Carolina State, Bulldog fans should be familiar with Antonelli who served as the emcee for the inaugural "Celebration on the Court" this past October. Antonelli began her career in athletics as a star student-athlete, leading the Wolfpack to four Women's NCAA Tournament appearances. She later got into coaching and athletic administration, before finally finding her true calling as a basketball analyst and sports broadcaster. Antonelli has since spent 34 years in the television industry, sharing the stories of collegiate athletes to homes all across the country, and was recently inducted into the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame. Antonelli has spent time broadcasting with ESPN, the ACC network, the Big Ten Network, CBS Sports, and FOX. On top of all of this, she has worked behind the scenes to improve the Women's NCAA Tournament, fighting for equitable treatment and resources for female athletes compared to their male counterparts.
On being named the Trailblazer Award recipient, Antonelli stated, "This is not an award I accept without the sacrifice and support of my family, Team Antonelli. My family is my motivation and determination. There are so many that have helped me in this incredible career journey. I absolutely love sharing this great game of basketball with everyone in my path!"
In addition to all of her career accomplishments, Antonelli has mentored and assisted numerous coaches in their careers. Even after her coaching career came to a close, Antonelli continued to hold clinics and camps for young athletes. She has also dedicated much of her life to supporting the Special Olympics and her middle son, Frankie, who was born with special needs, through her 24 Hours Nothing but Net Fundraiser.
The Trailblazer Award will be presented to Antonelli at the "Our Turn To Play" Scholarship Dinner on Tuesday, April 26th at 6:00 pm. She will be in attendance to personally accept the award and speak about the honor and importance of the work she has done in the women's sports world.
For more information about purchasing tickets, sponsorships, or making a donation for the "Our Turn To Play" event, visit our page here or contact Betsy Blose at bblose@unca.edu.
Thursday, June 18
Wednesday, March 18
Wednesday, March 11
Friday, February 06