Fresh off a historic 2023 campaign, NC State Athletics is eager to kickstart a new year. While some of the Pack’s teams are ready to push for new heights, others seek fresh starts. However, one common theme is the many talented athletes that will wear the red and white this fall. Here are a few that should be on everyone’s radar come the first day of class.
Men’s Cross Country: Toby Gualter
Starting and finishing a season strong is crucial in sports, and graduate student Toby Gualter did just that during the 2023 cross country season. During the season opener at the Adidas XC challenge, he clocked a 17:53.2 in the 6k which earned him a second place finish. At the end of his 2023 season, Gualter earned All-Region honors during the Southwest Regional 10k before taking part in the national championship race.
Women’s Cross Country: Gionna Quarzo
Fresh off its third consecutive national title, NC State women’s cross country has cemented itself as a preeminent force on the national stage. In order to push for yet another championship, the Pack will look to reap the benefits of a strong returning group of runners which includes graduate student Gionna Quarzo. A six-time All-ACC honoree, Quarzo has plenty of experience to help anchor this squad.
Last season was the most successful for Quarzo as she came in 14th in the ACC Championships. She continued her success at the NCAA Southeast Regional where she came in 12th place, earning her a spot on the All-Regional team. Finally, she clocked a 20:41.4 mark in the NCAA Championship 6k to help the Pack earn its third-straight national title.
Football: Kevin Concepcion
The 2024 season is one of the most highly anticipated in the history of NC State football. However, it will rely on a familiar face that returns after recording an astounding freshman season. The reigning ACC Rookie of the Year, sophomore wide receiver Kevin Concepcion has plenty to build off of this season.
Setting multiple program records, Concepcion proved to be a nightmare for opposing defenses. He was a dual-threat throughout the season, showing off his unique skillset and proving he was just as adept rushing the ball as he was catching it. With 1,179 total yards, 839 of which were through the air, Concepcion often gave NC State the extra juice it needed to win in big-time moments. The freshman phenom’s best game last season came in a win over UNC-Chapel Hill, where he posted 131 receiving yards and a pair of touchdown receptions.
Football: Grayson McCall
In order for a football team to find sustained success, it usually depends on the success of its quarterback. The Pack took that to heart this offseason as it secured the commitment of high-level transfer graduate quarterback Grayson McCall from Coastal Carolina. An experienced player, McCall logged 42 games at Coastal and racked up 10,005 passing yards. His efficiency is noteworthy as well — he threw 88 touchdown passes to only 14 interceptions in his career as a Chanticleer.
The three-time Sun Belt Conference Player of the Year has proven that he has what it takes to guide a successful team as he helped engineer three seasons of at least nine wins which included two 10-win campaigns at Coastal Carolina. As a team with lots of new faces, NC State needs a leader to help position the team for success. In his final season of college football, McCall has what it takes to do just that.
Men’s Soccer: Will Buete
After a frustrating 2023 season, NC State men’s soccer looks to begin a new chapter this season with its new head coach Marc Hubbard. Despite massive change within the program, senior midfielder Will Buete will bring dependability night-in, night-out. A consistent player within the program, Buete played in each contest last season while logging an impressive 1,488 total minutes. He also scored four goals and tallied three assists, accounting for 11 points, a mark that ranked second on the team.
Women’s Soccer: Alivia Kelly
NC State women’s soccer is sure to benefit from the addition of New Hampshire transfer graduate defender Alivia Kelly. Named to the United Soccer Coaches 2024 NCAA Division I Women’s Defenders to Watch List, she is sure to bring some consistency to a squad that only won three games last season. Kelly played in all 60 games as a Wildcat. A testament to her durability, she played the full 90 minutes in 15 games last season before being named the American East Defender of the Year.
Volleyball: Amanda Rice
Last season was a step in the right direction for NC State volleyball. Posting its best record since the 2017 season, NC State came just short of returning to the NCAA Tournament. Fans were treated to several large wins in which the team exhibited infectious energy that undoubtedly helped give the Pack an edge. One player that embodied that the most was senior opposite hitter Amanda Rice.
Rice found lots of success in 2023, seeing some of the best production of her career. Tallying her 500th career kill, she put forth three straight games in which she recorded at least 20. Now at 694 total kills in her career, she has what it takes on offense while she can get it done defensively with 153 career digs as well. Last season, she also earned a spot on the Second Team All-ACC team.
