Indiana women’s basketball has made a significant addition to its roster with the commitment of former UCLA forward Zania Socka-Nguemen. The 6-foot-3 freshman, originally from Silver Spring, Maryland, joins the Hoosiers after a season with the Bruins, bringing with her a wealth of potential and three years of eligibility remaining.
Socka-Nguemen was a highly touted recruit coming out of high school, earning McDonald’s All-American honors and ranking as the 30th overall prospect in the 2024 HoopGurlz Recruiting Rankings by ESPN. She played her high school basketball at Sidwell Friends School in Washington, D.C., and was a standout on the Nike Girls EYBL circuit with Team Durant 17U. citeturn0search1
During her freshman year at UCLA, Socka-Nguemen appeared in 16 games, averaging 1.5 points and 1.5 rebounds per contest. Her season was marred by injury, causing her to miss two months and limiting her opportunities on the court. Despite these challenges, she managed to post a season-high eight points in a victory over Wisconsin on February 26. citeturn0search4
The decision to transfer comes amid a broader exodus from UCLA’s 2024 recruiting class, with all four freshmen entering the transfer portal following the Bruins’ Final Four appearance. Socka-Nguemen’s move to Indiana represents a fresh start and an opportunity to realize the potential that made her one of the nation’s top recruits. citeturn0search7
Indiana head coach Teri Moren has been active in the transfer portal this offseason, with Socka-Nguemen becoming the third addition alongside guards Chloe Spreen and Phoenix Stotijn. The infusion of talent aims to bolster the Hoosiers’ roster as they look to build upon their recent successes in the Big Ten and on the national stage. citeturn0search4
Socka-Nguemen’s versatility and athleticism are expected to make an immediate impact in Bloomington. Her ability to contribute on both ends of the floor, coupled with her high basketball IQ, aligns well with Indiana’s style of play. As she integrates into the Hoosiers’ system, fans and coaches alike anticipate that she will develop into a key contributor for the program.
The addition of Socka-Nguemen underscores Indiana’s commitment to attracting top-tier talent and maintaining a competitive edge in women’s college basketball. With her arrival, the Hoosiers continue to solidify their position as a formidable force in the Big Ten and beyond.