Rising sophomore forward Zania Socka-Nguemen, a proud Montgomery County native, recently played a key part in helping the United States win a gold medal at the 2025 FIBA U19 Women’s World Cup, which was place in Brno, Czech Republic, from July 12–20.
Her remarkable high school career at Sidwell Friends School in Washington, DC, where she was recognized nationally as a McDonald’s All-American, served as the foundation for Socka-Nguemen’s ascent to the national scene. Her efforts helped Sidwell Friends win a state championship in 2023, demonstrating the skill that has since helped her make it to the U.S. national team.
The 6-foot-3 forward, who is renowned for her athletic ability, ball comfort, and significant defensive presence, was a great complement to the U19 team. Socka-Nguemen averaged 3.1 points and 3.0 rebounds in roughly 7 minutes and 32 seconds per game throughout the course of the tournament’s seven games. She was remarkably efficient, hitting 71.4% from the free-throw line (5-of-7), 53.3% from the field (8-of-15), and a perfect 100% from three-point range (1-of-1). With three steals and one block during the competition, she also made a defensive contribution.
Socka-Nguemen committed to Indiana University after her freshman season at UCLA. She will continue her scholastic career there, surely contributing her gold medal-winning experience and developing potential to the Hoosiers team.
