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/ Women's Basketball
Getting to Know Women’s Basketball Newcomer Safiyah Sugapong
7/28/2026 10:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
The freshman guard was a two-time All-CIF First Team selection
DENVER – Incoming freshman Safiyah Sugapong is a freshman from San Diego, California. She went to high school in La Jolla Country Day and played as a guard.
In her high school career, she scored more than 1,000 points and was named to the All-CIF First Team in both her junior and senior years. She was also a McDonald's All-American nominee and was recognized as the Coastal League Player of the Year in 2025-2026. Sugapong led her high school conference in assists per game in her senior year and was named athlete of the year by her high school.
Sugapong chose Denver because of the coaching staff, and the community feel around the campus. Being in a team that plays in the West Coast Conference also gives her the opportunity to compete against top competition and give her family and friends in California the ability to come to several of her games during the season.
Off the court, Sugapong enjoys art (like ceramics or painting), going to the beach, listening to music and getting boba.
What is your favorite memory from high school?
Sugapong: My favorite memory from high school was freshman year when we traveled to Washington DC for a tournament. My teammates and I walked around and bought earmuffs, and then ate a seafood boil later than night.
How does your family support you on your college journey?
Sugapong: My whole family is very supportive of me and my college journey. I am very grateful to have such a big support system at home, with grandparents, cousins, etc., coming from a big Filipino family.
What is the place in San Diego that everyone should go see?
Sugapong: Moonlight beach
What sport would you be playing if it wasn't for basketball?
Sugapong: If I wasn't playing basketball, I would be playing volleyball. I played when I was little and even in high school, I played for a couple years.
Do you have a routine pre-game?
Sugapong: Just listen to music, do my hair, and stretch.
What is your favorite movie genre?
Sugapong: Rom-com or Dystopian fiction
What music do you listen to?
Sugapong: Rnb and rap
What is your favorite food?
Sugapong: Sushi or Korean bbq
You said you like ceramic, what do you usually make?
Sugapong: I usually make bowls and mini sculptures of houses. I've also made a functioning teapot that took me almost the whole year
If you have been out of the US, what is your favorite country you have visited? If not, what is your dream destination?
Sugapong: My favorite place I've visited was St. Barth's in France and my dream destination is Bora Bora or the Maldives
You have 4 siblings. Are you the oldest, and do/did they play any sports?
Sugapong: I am the second oldest, and all my siblings play sports. We all play basketball and the two youngest play soccer as well
What are you most excited about at DU, or Denver/Colorado in general?
Sugapong: I'm most excited about being in a different scene than San Diego and being surrounded by more nature and mountains. I'm also excited to see Red Rocks and go to a concert there with my teammates.
DENVER'S HOME FOR COLLEGE SPORTS
Visit DenverPioneers.com for complete coverage of all 18 of Denver's NCAA Division I sports.-
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In her high school career, she scored more than 1,000 points and was named to the All-CIF First Team in both her junior and senior years. She was also a McDonald's All-American nominee and was recognized as the Coastal League Player of the Year in 2025-2026. Sugapong led her high school conference in assists per game in her senior year and was named athlete of the year by her high school.
Sugapong chose Denver because of the coaching staff, and the community feel around the campus. Being in a team that plays in the West Coast Conference also gives her the opportunity to compete against top competition and give her family and friends in California the ability to come to several of her games during the season.
Off the court, Sugapong enjoys art (like ceramics or painting), going to the beach, listening to music and getting boba.
What is your favorite memory from high school?
Sugapong: My favorite memory from high school was freshman year when we traveled to Washington DC for a tournament. My teammates and I walked around and bought earmuffs, and then ate a seafood boil later than night.
How does your family support you on your college journey?
Sugapong: My whole family is very supportive of me and my college journey. I am very grateful to have such a big support system at home, with grandparents, cousins, etc., coming from a big Filipino family.
What is the place in San Diego that everyone should go see?
Sugapong: Moonlight beach
What sport would you be playing if it wasn't for basketball?
Sugapong: If I wasn't playing basketball, I would be playing volleyball. I played when I was little and even in high school, I played for a couple years.
Do you have a routine pre-game?
Sugapong: Just listen to music, do my hair, and stretch.
What is your favorite movie genre?
Sugapong: Rom-com or Dystopian fiction
What music do you listen to?
Sugapong: Rnb and rap
What is your favorite food?
Sugapong: Sushi or Korean bbq
You said you like ceramic, what do you usually make?
Sugapong: I usually make bowls and mini sculptures of houses. I've also made a functioning teapot that took me almost the whole year
If you have been out of the US, what is your favorite country you have visited? If not, what is your dream destination?
Sugapong: My favorite place I've visited was St. Barth's in France and my dream destination is Bora Bora or the Maldives
You have 4 siblings. Are you the oldest, and do/did they play any sports?
Sugapong: I am the second oldest, and all my siblings play sports. We all play basketball and the two youngest play soccer as well
What are you most excited about at DU, or Denver/Colorado in general?
Sugapong: I'm most excited about being in a different scene than San Diego and being surrounded by more nature and mountains. I'm also excited to see Red Rocks and go to a concert there with my teammates.
DENVER'S HOME FOR COLLEGE SPORTS
Visit DenverPioneers.com for complete coverage of all 18 of Denver's NCAA Division I sports.-
Like Denver Pioneers and Denver Women's Basketball on Facebook
Follow @DU_Pioneers and @DU_Whoops on Twitter
Follow @denverpioneers and @du_whoops on Instagram
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