Zion George Leads New Jersey in Scoring Soccer Goals

NEWARK, N.J. – Newark School of Data Science and Information Technology (NSDSIT) senior Zion George is proving that excellence on the field goes hand-in-hand with leadership in the classroom. The 17-year-old striker has scored 23 goals so far this season, making him New Jersey’s top goal scorer, an achievement that comes during the school’s first official year competing in the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA).

Beyond his athletic dominance, Zion maintains a 3.9 GPA, serves as secretary of the Student Council, and takes college courses at Essex County College, all while leading his team as co-captain.

For Zion, his success as the state’s leading scorer is the result of teamwork and deep faith. “It’s not possible without my team,” he said. “Without their help, without them constantly helping me, setting me up with assists, I’m not able to score the goals I’m able to get. And it’s all glory to God, because I wouldn’t be here without him and my parents.”

“Zion is a shining example of what it means to be a Newark student-athlete,” said Superintendent León. “He brings the same dedication to his studies, leadership, and community that he brings to the soccer field. We are so proud of his achievements, we commend him on his leadership, and look forward to witnessing the bright future ahead of him.”

“Zion’s talent, humility, and hard work represent the best of Newark,” said Board of Education President Hasani K. Council. “His success shows our students that you can pursue your passions while excelling academically. He’s a role model whose drive not only inspires his teammates, but students across the district.”

Head Coach Joseph Lima described Zion as a player who “plays with fire and heart.”

“It’s hard, as a coach, to not love a kid like this,” Lima said. “For the talent that he has, he’s always looking to better himself. He’s tough on himself in the best way possible. He knows that you can’t get comfortable. He’s always looking to improve and get better.”

The veteran coach of 14 years said he has never seen anything like the excitement generated by Zion’s goal-scoring streak and the team’s 8-1-1 season.

“It’s really cool for our kids to have these articles written up because they'll always have something to look back on and be proud of,” Lima said.

Zion’s notoriety has made him a marked man to his opponents. Zion was double-teamed for nearly the entirety of a recent game at Ivy Hill Park. Zion managed to score two goals anyway, to the delight of some of the younger fans from Mount Vernon and Ivy Hill elementary schools who saw the game.

“The kids came up to me. The kids were hyping up my name, some screaming my name,” he said. “It means a lot because I wouldn’t see myself as somebody the younger kids look up to.”

Principal Dr. Liana Summey praised Zion for embodying the school’s mission to merge technology, leadership, and perseverance.

“Zion’s commitment to learning and leading, both on and off the field, captures what our school is all about,” Dr. Summey said. “He’s a scholar, an athlete, and an example of how our students are using data, discipline, and determination to build their futures.”

Zion credits soccer for helping him grow as both a player and a person. Inspired by global legends like Nigeria’s Jay-Jay Okocha and Cameroon’s Samuel Eto’o, he says the sport’s universal reach and teamwork drew him in. “Anybody can play it,” he said. “It connects people from everywhere. It really is the beautiful game.”