University of North Carolina Athletics
Following an outstanding prep career in Jackson County, Cetera DeGraffenreid was a four-year starter for the Tar Heels.
Photo by: Grant Halverson
DeGraffenreid Recognized as Jackson County's Top Athlete
May 27, 2020 | Women's Basketball
Cetera DeGraffenreid's playing career is behind her, but the honors are not.
DeGraffenreid, a standout player at Smoky Mountain High School in Sylva, N.C., before going on to four years as a starter for the UNC women's basketball team, has been named to the North State Journal's 100 in 100 list, recognizing "the best athlete from each of North Carolina's 100 counties."
To read about DeGraffenreid, the Jackson County honoree, click here.
"It is a tremendous honor to represent Jackson County," DeGraffenreid said. "There are many great athletes that have come from our county, that have gone on to play in the NFL, MLB and for other professional teams, so to be recognized amongst this group is truly special. It also fills me with joy because I love Jackson County and the people. Many people from Jackson County have invested in me and been a part of my journey. I can't thank them enough for helping me achieve this accomplishment."
DeGraffenreid, from Culowhee, N.C., averaged 28 points per game as a senior at Smoky Mountain and was the state's Gatorade Player of the Year in 2007, when she played in the McDonald's All-American Game.
At UNC, she earned Atlantic Coast Conference All-Freshman Team honors in 2007-08, averaging 11.6 points per game as the Tar Heels won the ACC championship and reached the Elite Eight. She played in the NCAA Tournament all four years at UNC and earned All-ACC honors each year.
DeGraffenreid finished her Tar Heel career ranked third all-time in assists. After graduation, she played professionally in Israel for two years before beginning her coaching career.
Now finishing her second year as an assistant women's basketball coach at UNCG, DeGraffenreid was working on film when she heard she'd been honored, getting the news via a Twitter notification on her phone. She checked out the list and realized the kind of company she's in, included among marquee names like Chris Paul and James Worthy.
"That put into perspective the magnitude of this list because I know there are many great players that have represented our state," she said.
To see the list so far, click here.
DeGraffenreid is keeping an eye out as the rest of the 100 honorees are unveiled, fully expecting to see one other UNC alum in particular. The greatest basketball player of all time, born in New York but raised in Wilmington, N.C., seems likely to warrant a spot.
"Especially as a fellow Tar Heel," she said, "it would be neat to see my name on a list with his."
DeGraffenreid, a standout player at Smoky Mountain High School in Sylva, N.C., before going on to four years as a starter for the UNC women's basketball team, has been named to the North State Journal's 100 in 100 list, recognizing "the best athlete from each of North Carolina's 100 counties."
To read about DeGraffenreid, the Jackson County honoree, click here.
"It is a tremendous honor to represent Jackson County," DeGraffenreid said. "There are many great athletes that have come from our county, that have gone on to play in the NFL, MLB and for other professional teams, so to be recognized amongst this group is truly special. It also fills me with joy because I love Jackson County and the people. Many people from Jackson County have invested in me and been a part of my journey. I can't thank them enough for helping me achieve this accomplishment."
DeGraffenreid, from Culowhee, N.C., averaged 28 points per game as a senior at Smoky Mountain and was the state's Gatorade Player of the Year in 2007, when she played in the McDonald's All-American Game.
At UNC, she earned Atlantic Coast Conference All-Freshman Team honors in 2007-08, averaging 11.6 points per game as the Tar Heels won the ACC championship and reached the Elite Eight. She played in the NCAA Tournament all four years at UNC and earned All-ACC honors each year.
DeGraffenreid finished her Tar Heel career ranked third all-time in assists. After graduation, she played professionally in Israel for two years before beginning her coaching career.
Now finishing her second year as an assistant women's basketball coach at UNCG, DeGraffenreid was working on film when she heard she'd been honored, getting the news via a Twitter notification on her phone. She checked out the list and realized the kind of company she's in, included among marquee names like Chris Paul and James Worthy.
"That put into perspective the magnitude of this list because I know there are many great players that have represented our state," she said.
To see the list so far, click here.
DeGraffenreid is keeping an eye out as the rest of the 100 honorees are unveiled, fully expecting to see one other UNC alum in particular. The greatest basketball player of all time, born in New York but raised in Wilmington, N.C., seems likely to warrant a spot.
"Especially as a fellow Tar Heel," she said, "it would be neat to see my name on a list with his."
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