WILMINGTON, N.C. — UNCW women's basketball will welcome Wilmington native and former WNBA standout Tamera "Ty" Young as the keynote speaker for the second annual Dee Dee Toon Rivers Luncheon on Monday, October 19, 2026. The event will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Wilmington Convention Center. 

Young's journey from Wilmington to professional basketball brings a hometown connection to an afternoon celebrating women's basketball and community support. A standout at E.A. Laney High School, where her No. 11 jersey was retired, Young went on to excel at James Madison University before reaching basketball's highest professional level. 

Selected eighth overall by the Atlanta Dream in the 2008 WNBA Draft, Young became the first player drafted in James Madison women's basketball history. During her 12-year WNBA career, she appeared in 372 games with the Dream, Chicago Sky and Las Vegas Aces. Her collegiate accomplishments included 2008 Colonial Athletic Association Player of the Year honors and Associated Press All-America recognition. 

"Having Ty return to Wilmington for this event is incredibly meaningful," said UNCW women's basketball head coach Nicole Woods. "Her journey from Laney High School to the WNBA shows our student-athletes and young people in this community what is possible through hard work and belief in themselves. As we honor Dee Dee's legacy, Ty's presence gives us another powerful way to celebrate the women who have helped shape basketball in Wilmington and inspire the next generation." 

Young's appearance will headline a gathering of Seahawk supporters, local business leaders and current student-athletes to honor Dee Dee Toon Rivers while raising funds for the UNCW women's basketball program. The luncheon offers an opportunity to strengthen connections between the program and the Wilmington community ahead of the upcoming season. 

A Whiteville, N.C., native, Toon Rivers competed in women's basketball and track and field at UNCW from 1995–99 and made Wilmington her home following her collegiate career. The annual luncheon celebrates her life and enduring place in the Seahawk community. 

Individual seats and tables are available for purchase, along with advertising opportunities in the event program. To reserve a seat or table, visit the Dee Dee Toon Rivers Luncheon event website. For additional information, contact Samantha Cleary, Assistant Director of Athletic Development Operations, at clearys@uncw.edu.