Mount Pleasant, South Carolina – Mount Pleasant authorities gathered on Friday afternoon to dedicate the town hall gymnasium to Debbie Antonelli, a citizen and national sports reporter.
In May, the community shocked veteran basketball pundit and Special Olympics champion Antonelli by revealing that the gymnasium will be named after her.
On Friday, officials debuted “The Deb.” Antonelli expressed her gratitude for the community’s affection and support, while also hoping that her name will inspire young girls to love basketball.
“I just hope it serves as motivation and inspiration for some young girl who wants to play basketball or sports in general and sees a woman’s name on the gym and thinks, ‘Maybe one day I can do that.'” “I hope that message is carried forward,” Antonelli remarked.
She has devoted her life to basketball and helping people. Antonelli has previously been inducted into the Ring of Honor at North Carolina State University and the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame.
Over the last seven years, Team Antonelli has raised more than $1.4 million for Special Olympics.
“Debbie Antonelli embodies the spirit of excellence, perseverance, and community that defines Mount Pleasant,” stated the mayor, Will Haynie. “Her work on and off the court has inspired generations of athletes and shown the power of inclusion in sports.”
