Whiteville Grandmother hopeful to see granddaughter, Ashley alum and NC State star Saniya Rivers, play in the Final Four

WHITEVILLE, NC (WWAY) — March Madness continues and one player’s grandmother is hopeful to see her granddaughter in action during the Final Four. 

Penn’s Grill in Whiteville took to Facebook after NC State Women’s Basketball Guard Saniya Rivers and the Wolfpack advanced to the Final Four this weekend in Cleveland, Ohio. 

Saniya’s grandmother, Hilda Smith, has worked at Penn’s Grill over the last several years. When Smith told Penn’s she’d be making the trip “no matter what” to see Saniya play, the restaurant started a GoFundMe page to help Smith raise money for her travels. 

Smith said she was not expecting Penn’s to start this fundraiser. But she’s happy to know it will help her see her granddaughter. 

“When I see her out there on that court, she’s so smooth, so swift. She just has it all together, not like her grandmother. Her grandmother don’t have it together! But anyway, she is a terrific young lady and the Lord knows I am proud of her.” 

Smith said the trip to Ohio will be a surprise for Saniya because she doesn’t know she’s coming. 

If you’d like to help, you can donate to Smith’s GoFundMe here.