HAMPTON — Basketball runs deep in Zariia America’s family.
Her father, a big fan of the late Kobe Bryant, played in high school, college and on an Air Force team. Her mother played in high school. Her brother, Kobe, named after Bryant, plays for Warhill High School.
And Zariia (pronounced Zar-e-uh) is making a name for herself in her first year on the Virginia Peninsula Community College (VPCC) women’s basketball team.
America is the leading scorer for the Gators, coming off a 26-point performance against Frederick Community College.
“She’s great; attitude, humbleness, coachable. She’s a coach’s dream player,” said VPCC coach Mariah Parker.
Her parents, both 20-year Air Force veterans, made America, 20, and her brother, who is three years younger, try various sports growing up. She has played soccer, baseball, and volleyball, but basketball caught her attention, according to VPCC.
America starred at Grafton High School, graduating in spring 2022. She spent a semester at Ferrum College, a Division III school in the western part of Virginia, but participated in only scrimmages and practices.
However, the school wasn’t for her, so she transferred to VPCC for the spring 2023 semester and is flourishing on and off the court.
“VPCC is one of the most welcoming schools I’ve been to,” America said, and that includes teachers and students, not just the basketball staff. “I love this school. It’s just a really good environment, and they’re always trying to get people involved.”
America’s time at the school will end in the spring or summer, when she will graduate with a degree in information technology. Considering Guilford College (Greensboro, North Carolina) and Virginia Wesleyan University (Virginia Beach), she hopes to continue to play basketball at the next level.
Her coach has no doubt she’s good enough.
“Absolutely. She will, for sure,” Parker said. “She’s on the right path.”
America is looking forward to the handful of games she has left at VPCC, especially since several players have been added to the roster for the second semester.
“I think we’re clicking really well,” America said. “The chemistry is building. So, I’m super excited to see how we all play together and how it feels to actually have subs now.”
Parker said America is tough to guard because she can shoot from the outside and drive to the basket.
“It’s so hard to game plan for that,” Parker said.
America said her aggressiveness sets her apart.
“I think since a young age, that’s the one thing that’s been able to put me over the top because skill-wise, I’ve never seen myself as the best player,” she said. “But I have a very aggressive mindset.”
Both coach and player said she needs to work on her confidence. When she makes a mistake or is having an off day, she can be her harshest critic.
“She closes herself off. She’s very hard on herself, a perfectionist, I would say,” Parker said. “She’s naturally shy. She’s not the most vocal. She’s naturally an introvert. But she’s just real good. I can’t wait to see when she breaks out of that shell and really sees how good she really is. That’s going to be awesome to watch.”
America admits she’s not a vocal leader. She’d rather lead by example.
“I am there to help motivate everybody and keep everyone in good spirits, keep pushing everyone,” she said of her role on the team.
Her path to VPCC wasn’t direct, but she’s enjoying every minute of her time at the college.
“The team is great. I love Coach Parker,” she said. “This is probably one of my favorite
teams I’ve played on because even though we’re a small team, it’s good. I like the people. I love my coaches. It’s just a great environment, to be honest.”
Visit VPCC for more information.
