Brace yourselves, basketball fans. A new star is about to shine on the international hardwood—and she’s wearing cream and crimson.
In a dazzling twist to her blossoming career, Zania Socka-Nguemen, the high-flying forward who recently transferred from UCLA to Indiana University, has just punched her ticket to one of the most prestigious stages in global basketball. On Friday, she was officially named to the USA Basketball Women’s U19 National Team, signaling her ascent not just in the college game—but now on the world scene.
But here’s the twist that makes this storyline even juicier: Indiana head coach Teri Moren will be coaching the very team Socka-Nguemen now stars on. That’s right—the same coach guiding her through the Big Ten grind will now lead her into global battle.
The setting? None other than the FIBA U19 Women’s World Cup, hosted July 12–20 in the basketball-breathing city of Brno, Czechia. It’s a tournament that brings together the most elite young talent on Earth—and Zania is about to be front and center.
A First for Socka-Nguemen, But Certainly Not the Last
This marks Socka-Nguemen’s first-ever selection to represent the U.S. on the international stage, a milestone that reflects her massive upside and national-level recognition. While she was already turning heads with her transfer to Indiana in April, this latest news catapults her into a new echelon of rising stars.
She isn’t just making a splash—she’s making waves.
Global Showdown: Who Will Team USA Face?
Team USA has been slotted into Group A, where they’ll face:
- Korea – July 12 at 2:15 p.m. ET
- Hungary – July 13 at 2:15 p.m. ET
- Israel – July 15 at 8:30 a.m. ET
All eyes will be on this squad as they begin their campaign to uphold one of the most dominant legacies in international basketball history.
The Legacy of Dominance: Can the U.S. Do It Again?
Since its debut in 1985, the FIBA U19 Women’s World Cup has been the gold standard for identifying future superstars—and the United States has practically owned it. Team USA has captured the gold in nine of the last ten tournaments, including a hat trick of golds in the last three editions.
This year’s squad is once again stacked, and with Teri Moren’s tactical genius and Socka-Nguemen’s relentless energy on the court, the U.S. is primed to defend its title with fury.
What This Means for Indiana—and Beyond
For Indiana women’s basketball, this is a massive recruiting and cultural win. The Hoosiers aren’t just adding talent—they’re adding international prestige.
Zania’s presence on Team USA cements her as one of the most intriguing players in the country—and positions her to return to Bloomington not just as a transfer, but as a global competitor with invaluable experience under her belt.
And let’s not overlook the implications of Teri Moren coaching this elite national team. It’s a testament to her reputation, leadership, and eye for development. She’s not just building a Big Ten powerhouse—she’s building a pipeline to the pros.
The Bigger Picture: A Rising Star in a Program on Fire
Zania Socka-Nguemen’s selection is more than an individual honor—it’s a signal flare for the rest of college basketball: Indiana isn’t just on the rise. It’s already there. With a coach shaping Olympic-bound talent and players poised for global impact, the Hoosiers are turning heads from coast to coast—and now, from continent to continent.
So mark your calendars, set your alarms, and grab your flags. Because on July 12, when Team USA tips off in Brno, one of IU’s newest—and brightest—stars will be wearing red, white, blue… and a touch of Hoosier pride.
