By John “Woods” Armwood III
At Sh3GotGame, we don’t just spotlight athletes — we tell the stories behind the stats, the struggle behind the shine. And if there’s one story that deserves the light, it’s that of Zeynep Ozel, a 5'8" freshman point guard at Dartmouth College who’s gone from the hardwood of Istanbul to the classrooms and courts of the Ivy League.
Standing at 5'8", Ozel isn't just making plays on the court — she's also navigating the rigorous academic waters of the Ivy League with grace and grit. As a freshman, she exemplifies what it means to be both a scholar and a competitor. But her story is more than stats and study halls; it’s about determination, resilience, and the fire of a young woman who knew she could make it — and did. Zeynep isn’t your typical first-year student-athlete. She’s a product of grit, culture, adaptation, and ambition — and she's proving that talent has no borders. From the structured, team-oriented basketball culture of Turkey to the fast-paced, high-visibility world of U.S. AAU and collegiate hoops, her journey is one of transformation, not just transition.
Zeynep’s Ozel “My Sh3GotGame” Moment
“When I started to play in the Nike EYBL for AAU, I was up against elite players committed to Power 5 schools — and I was holding my own. That’s when I got 5 of my 6 offers. That’s when I knew I could take this to the next level.”
That moment wasn’t just about confidence — it was validation. For a young woman from Turkey navigating a new country, new culture, and new basketball language, it was the fire she needed to fully believe: I belong here.
From Turkey to Triumph
Zeynep’s story begins in Istanbul, where basketball was more than a game — it was family. Her father and brother played. The ball was always bouncing. But her rise wasn’t handed to her. Ozel’s journey began in Turkey, where her basketball-loving family inspired her.
“My dad and brother both played,” Ozel expressed. “I grew up watching my brother in Turkey, playing with boys at first, then joining one of the best girl club teams in the country. I played with them for six years before moving to the U.S.”
That club, Beşiktaş, It is one of Europe’s most prestigious. But Zeynep wanted more. She had dreams that went beyond Europe — dreams that involved books, banners, and the kind of basketball that demanded everything.
“At first, I played with boys because the competition was better and there were limited options for girls.,” Ozel emphasized. “Eventually, I joined Turkey’s top girls’ club team — and played with them for six years.”
So, at 15, she left home. Adjusting to a new world was difficult; however like anything, she eventually learned and adapted. Moving to America at 15 wasn’t easy. That said, she was forced to navigate living and creating
“Being 1,000 miles from my family was tough,” Ozel explained. “The school system, food — everything was different. But I adjusted, and I grew from it. … I remember the first few months — I missed my family, the food, the comfort of home. Everything was different. But basketball gave me purpose, and my teammates became my people.”
🧠 Coach Mod: The Difference Maker
Zeynep’s development took a leap when she started working with Coach Ahmod, who saw in her what others were just beginning to notice. Her destination? Blair Academy in New Jersey — an elite prep school with a strong academic and athletic reputation.
“Coach Ahmod has a special place in my heart. He believed in me before I even got here. He drove me to AAU practice, pushed me, mentored me — and I’ll never forget that.”
“Leaving Turkey was the hardest decision I’ve ever made,” she continued. “I was a teenager, and I was moving to a new continent, to live without my family, speak a second language, and chase a dream that wasn’t promised.”
The AAU Awakening: EYBL Stage
The Nike EYBL circuit is no joke. It’s elite. It’s intense. And it’s often a make-or-break moment for international players looking to earn U.S. college recognition.
“That summer with Jersey Gemz, I was playing against the best. Girls going to UCLA, LSU, Texas. And I wasn’t just surviving — I was showing out. I got five D1 offers during that period.”
Her hard work in the off-season showed — early morning lifts, mid-day film, evening skill sessions back home in Turkey before returning to the States.
“It was the hardest I’ve ever worked in my life. And it paid off.”
Why Dartmouth? A Different Kind of Dream
Most players dream of big arenas, TV contracts, and NIL deals. Zeynep dreamed of impact.
“I wasn’t willing to sacrifice academics for athletics. Dartmouth gave me both — a top-tier education and a competitive D1 program. And the coaching staff believed in me. That mattered.”
“Academically, I want to get the most out of this opportunity,” Ozel continued. “Athletically, I want to win an Ivy League title. I want to make the NCAA tournament. That’s the vision.”
As a freshman, she’s already earning key minutes — a testament to her poise, skill set, and IQ.
“I’m still learning every day. But they trust me with the ball. And I’m earning more responsibility week by week.”
Moments That Made It Real
“When my parents flew in from Turkey to watch my first five college games — that was emotional. Hearing my name called in the starting lineup with them in the crowd? I’ll never forget that.”
And then there was Dartmouth’s OT win against Navy.
“We fought for every second. I had key minutes. That game showed me we’re building something special here.”
Advice for the Next Zeynep
Zeynep Ozel has game. She’s not just chasing greatness — she’s creating it. Stay tuned as this Ivy League baller continues to turn heads and break barriers. But for Zeynep, it’s not just about hardware or headlines. She wants to represent a group of people and bring hope to thousands just like her.
“Start early. Build habits. If you’re international, come to the U.S. as soon as you can. You need time to adjust. And always: be coachable, work harder than everyone, and be a great teammate.”
“I want to inspire girls in Turkey and around the world. You can leave home. You can play at the highest level. You can get an Ivy League education and ball out.”