Underdog stories are among sports’ greatest treasures. Fans collectively revel when someone earns an unexpected opportunity or catches a well-deserved break.
One of those moments recently unfolded within the NC State women’s basketball program, when senior guard Audrey Ericksen learned she had been awarded a scholarship.
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The senior guard and Cary native has only been on the roster for a couple of weeks and already got more than she expected.
'There were no guarantees," Ericksen, the all-time leading scorer in Green Level High School history, said. "It was just kind of 'see what happens.'"
Ericksen transferred to NC State from Boston University as a walk-on. She said she wanted a chance to focus on basketball, regardless of her role. It didn't take long for that role to grow.
Earlier this month, coach Wes Moore presented Ericksen with a bill covering tuition, room and board. The total was about $30,000. Moore asked whether she had the money to pay it, and Ericksen shook her head.
“At first, I wasn’t really sure what was happening,” Ericksen said. “I just saw my name with a bill and thought, ‘This cannot be good.’”
Moore took that bill and ripped it up and shouted, "No bill! You're on scholarship."
Her teammates erupted, surrounding Ericksen with hugs and cheers. She said their reaction was her favorite part of the moment and strengthened the bond she already felt with her new team.
“When I see that video, I skip past the beginning and go straight to that part,” Ericksen said. “Everybody just has pure joy on their face for me.”
Receiving the scholarship lifted a financial weight from Ericksen and her family. She said her parents were proud, excited and relieved after years of supporting her basketball career.
Their sacrifices helped her reach what is now the latest — and biggest — stop of that journey.
Ericksen's return home comes with added expectations. She's yet to play in an NCAA Tournament in her three years at the collegiate level. Her new, hometown school hasn't missed the tournament since 2016.
"I'm excited to win with this team," Ericksen said. "Everyone on the team is so motivated and ready. I'm just excited to see what we end up doing this season."
Ericksen called making the NCAA Tournament a bucket list item for her. She said she's excited to be at a school where making the tournament isn't just a goal; it's the expectation.
The Wolfpack were bounced out of the tournament in the second round against Michigan in March. The team is two years removed from a Final Four run. Ericksen's already looking forward to the upcoming season, hoping this year's team makes some noise.