‘This life makes me very happy’: Get to know NC State women’s basketball’s Swedish rookie
With a gentle demeanor and quieter personality, Tilda Trygger is not the typical American post player. N.C. State’s freshman carries herself in a somewhat ethereal way — reminiscent of her time growing up as a gymnast — but she’s slowly developing into the type of player that brought her predecessors success.
Trygger, alongside freshman Lorena Awou, expected to spend her rookie basketball season at N.C. State in a more developmental role. But unexpected injuries have forced her into a starting role.
The 6-6 rookie from Stockholm, Sweden, has started the last six games. She earned her first start against Clemson on Dec. 29. Since then, Trygger is averaging 9.6 points per game and 3.6 rebounds. N.C. State is 5-1 when she’s in the starting lineup.
She notched a career-high 19 points in the Wolfpack’s loss at Cal and pulled down a career-high 13 boards, with seven offensive, in the win against Virginia. Nine rebounds came in the fourth quarter, including six o-boards, tying Elissa Cunane for the most rebounds in a single quarter.
“I think she’s progressed very well since the beginning of the season,” Aziaha James said on Sunday. “We told her it’s about time for March, so you’re not a freshman anymore. It’s time to be a grown woman. I think she’s handling it very well.”
Trygger has embraced the next-one-up mentality. Graduate student Lizzy Williamson and Boston University transfer Caitlin Weimar were supposed to be the primary starters in the front court, as the Pack looked to replace Mimi Collins and River Baldwin. With James, Madison Hayes, Saniya Rivers and Zoe Brooks returning, that should’ve given the Wolfpack a solid rotation.
That meant Trygger, Awou and sophomore center Mallory Collier would’ve had more time to settle into the college game.
Except Weimar is out for the season. Head coach Wes Moore told reporters Weimar is taking the semester off and recovering with her family after her treatment was more complicated than expected. N.C. State entered the season uncertain about Weimar’s status but originally hoped she’d be available. Williamson is also out with an injury. She had surgery in December.
“(Moore) wants me to be a dog on the court, and I’m working on that. I’m trying my best,” Trygger said in December after N.C. State’s win over James Madison. “(The freshmen) know when we come in, we have to do our best; just stay ready and just be aggressive. That’s the key. I think we’re doing a great job.”
Moore said in October that Trygger is probably one of the sweetest people in the world, which is great when she’s not on the floor. He hopes she will become “a little bit of a butt” and “nasty” when competing.
On Sunday, Moore said he’s pleased with where she’s at and hopes to see her develop additional toughness, so she can come up with a few more 50/50 balls. Debbie Antonelli and Beth Mowins pointed out during the Stanford win that she’s on the right track; more experience and lifting in the weight room are the likely keys to future success.
Trygger is showing a lot of promise already, and the freshman is happy to be part of the Pack.
“I’m super happy that I came to the U.S., because college, I think, it’s super special,” Trygger said. “This team makes it so fun. The coaches make it so fun. Our fans, everything is just super fun. The school is great. Just coming in here and practicing every day; this life makes me very happy.”
Get to know the Swedish freshman a little bit better. Some answers have been edited for grammar and clarity.
Who has impacted Trygger’s life the most
Trygger said her mother and father (Ulrika and Paul) and four brothers (Robin, Lukas, Linus and Theo) have played a key role in her development. Despite a six-hour time difference between Raleigh and Stockholm, Trygger and her mother talk daily.
“She still plays basketball, actually, so she knows the game,” Trygger said. “We talk after every other game, and she was here for a little while and got to see my first game. I’m just super happy to have her by my side.”
Biggest surprise between American and Swedish culture
“I’ve been very surprised about the environment here, and everybody is so nice and supportive. It’s like a big family, and when you step into campus, it’s just like, ‘This is Wolfpack.’ So this surprised me very much, because it’s not like that in Sweden. It’s very new with campus and college, and I really like the Wolfpack family.”
“It surprised me how much Americans love to talk, because Swedish people are very much to themselves. We don’t talk to other people if we’re just out walking, but here everybody talks with each other. That’s super fun.”
On Aziaha James and Saniya Rivers’ dancing
“I love to dance, so I think it’s super fun to be here. Before I came here, I saw on Instagram how they always dance, I was super excited to come, because the team looked so fun. We dance everyday.”
Trygger said James and Rivers would survive in Sweden, but she laughed at the notion of the two outgoing guards making dance videos while others looked on.
What it’s like to be part of the freshman class
Trygger said the freshmen live in an apartment together. She came to N.C. State alongside Zamareya Jones, Devyn Quigley and Lorena Awou. Trygger called her teammates “crazy” and “funny.”
“We always support each other very much, because we all were in the same situation. This is new for all of us, and we know how we feel, so we’re just there for each other, because we know what we’re going through together.”
“We sometimes go for car rides, listen to music, buy some milkshakes. We do a lot of fun things together; watch other sports play, go out for dinner and bowling. We’ve done that a lot of times.”
Fun fact Trygger wants people to know
“When I was a little kid, I always wanted a mini pig. They’re super cute. You know the pink, cute, small ones? My boyfriend promised me that we’re gonna see a mini pig someday, one day. He’s not gonna get me one, so he’s gonna take me there to see one.”
Other facts about Trygger
Pet: Black shepherd dog named Tyson
Other sports she played as a child: Soccer, ice hockey, gymnastics
Favorite ice cream flavor: Strawberry
Favorite color: Pink
Other U.S. cities she’s visited: New York, Charlotte
Something that reminds her of home: Ikea
This story was originally published January 23, 2025 at 5:00 AM with the headline "‘This life makes me very happy’: Get to know NC State women’s basketball’s Swedish rookie."
