Avery Hjelmstad, a 6’1 guard from the University of Utah and a member of the 2025 recruiting class, emerged as one of the most intriguing freshman contributors in women’s college basketball during the 2025–26 season. 

Avery Hjelmstad, ranked as the No. 44 recruit in the 2025 class and a four-star prospect, quickly demonstrated her versatility and scoring potential while appearing in 31 games and averaging 14.1 minutes per contest. 

Avery Hjelmstad made an immediate impression in her collegiate debut against Sioux Falls, scoring 14 points and showcasing her offensive confidence early in her career.

Throughout her freshman campaign, Avery Hjelmstad continued to develop, recording a career-high 22 points at Colorado State and grabbing eight rebounds against Houston. 

Avery Hjelmstad averaged 5.3 points per game while knocking down 1.2 three-pointers per contest, highlighting her perimeter shooting ability and floor spacing value. 

Avery Hjelmstad also demonstrated efficiency at the free-throw line, shooting an impressive 85.7 percent.

Before Utah, Avery Hjelmstad built an outstanding prep résumé, surpassing 1,000 career points and earning multiple All-State honors. 

Avery Hjelmstad’s athleticism, length, and basketball instincts, combined with her multi-sport background, position her as a rising contributor with long-term upside.

Offensive Skill Evaluation 

Avery Hjelmstad shows strong perimeter shooting ability, floor spacing, and scoring instincts. Avery Hjelmstad moves well without the ball, attacks closeouts effectively, and utilizes her size to create mismatches against smaller guards.

Defensive Evaluation 

Avery Hjelmstad uses length and athleticism to contest shots and disrupt passing lanes. Avery Hjelmstad rebounds effectively from the guard position while showing developing defensive awareness and improved lateral quickness.

Basketball IQ 

Avery Hjelmstad demonstrates solid decision-making, spacing awareness, and offensive timing. Avery Hjelmstad reads defensive coverages well, moves intelligently without the ball, and understands pace while continuing to grow.

Intangibles 

Avery Hjelmstad brings competitiveness, confidence, and work ethic to the court. Avery Hjelmstad’s multi-sport background enhances her athleticism, while her composure and adaptability highlight leadership potential.

Areas for Improvement 

Avery Hjelmstad can improve consistency shooting percentages and defensive discipline. Avery Hjelmstad will benefit from adding strength, tightening ball-handling under pressure, and continuing development as a playmaker.

Final Evaluation 

Avery Hjelmstad projects as a versatile perimeter guard with strong long-term potential in women’s college basketball. 

Avery Hjelmstad’s size, shooting ability, and athleticism create matchup problems, while her freshman production shows promising growth. 

Avery Hjelmstad’s continued development in strength, consistency, and defensive impact will elevate her role at Utah. 

With experience and confidence, Avery Hjelmstad has the tools to become a key contributor and rising impact player.

Impact Players Elevating Women’s College Game

Sarah Strong

Avery Hjelmstad 

Lara Somfai

Aaliyah Crump

Jada Williams

Lara Somfai, a 6’3 power forward originally committed to Stanford and now transferring to TCU, is one of the most intriguing frontcourt prospects in the 2025 recruiting class. 

Lara Somfai, ranked as the No. 12 overall recruit in the 2025 class, brings a unique blend of size, mobility, and basketball instincts that translate immediately to the college level. 

Averaging 10.8 points and 9.1 rebounds per game, Lara Somfai has proven to be a consistent interior presence with the ability to impact both ends of the floor.

Lara Somfai’s length and athleticism make her a valuable asset in transition, while her rebounding ability separates her from many frontcourt players in her class. 

Offensively, Lara Somfai continues to develop her scoring touch around the rim while showing flashes of face-up versatility and mid-range potential. 

Defensively, Lara Somfai’s timing, positioning, and physicality allow her to anchor the paint and disrupt opposing offenses.

As Lara Somfai transitions into the college game at TCU, her versatility and motor position her as an immediate contributor with long-term upside. 

Lara Somfai’s development trajectory, combined with her competitive mindset and high-level experience, suggests she could become one of the most impactful forwards in women’s college basketball.

Offensive Skill Evaluation 

Lara Somfai scores efficiently inside, using size and positioning to finish through contact. Lara Somfai runs the floor well, rebounds offensively, and shows developing face-up ability with improving touch and expanding offensive versatility.

Defensive Evaluation 

Lara Somfai protects the paint with length and timing. Lara Somfai rebounds consistently, rotates effectively, and uses physicality to defend post players while showing mobility to hedge screens and defend multiple frontcourt matchups.

Basketball IQ 

Lara Somfai demonstrates strong instincts and positioning. Lara Somfai reads offensive actions well, anticipates rebounds, and understands defensive rotations. Her awareness and decision-making continue improving as she adjusts to higher competition.

Intangibles 

Lara Somfai plays with energy and competitiveness. Lara Somfai brings toughness, leadership potential, and a team-first mentality. Her motor, work ethic, and consistency make her a reliable contributor on both ends.

Areas for Improvement 

Lara Somfai can improve perimeter shooting consistency and ball-handling. Lara Somfai will benefit from developing face-up moves and passing under pressure while continuing to add strength for physical college-level matchups.

Final Evaluation 

Lara Somfai projects as a high-impact frontcourt player at TCU with immediate rebounding and defensive contributions. 

Lara Somfai’s size, mobility, and instincts provide strong foundational tools. 

As Lara Somfai continues developing her offensive versatility and strength, her ceiling rises significantly. 

Lara Somfai’s motor, physical presence, and rebounding ability make her a valuable long-term piece. 

With continued development, Lara Somfai has the potential to become one of the top forwards in women’s college basketball.

Impact Players Elevating Women’s College Game

Sarah Strong

Avery Hjelmstad 

Lara Somfai

Aaliyah Crump

Jada Williams

Aaliyah Crump, a 6-foot-1 guard now attending Duke University, is a rising talent in women’s college basketball and a member of the 2025 recruiting class with three years of eligibility remaining after transferring from Texas. 

Aaliyah Crump entered college basketball as the No. 5 overall high school recruit and quickly demonstrated her versatility, scoring ability, and poise in limited minutes during Texas’ Final Four season. 

Aaliyah Crump averaged 7.9 points and 2.3 assists in 17.5 minutes, showcasing efficiency, confidence, and strong perimeter shot creation. 

Now at Duke, Aaliyah Crump steps into an expanded opportunity under head coach Kara Lawson, where her size, scoring instincts, and positional flexibility immediately strengthen the Blue Devils’ backcourt. 

Aaliyah Crump brings length, athleticism, and competitive toughness, making her a matchup problem for opposing guards. 

Her ability to score at all three levels, create off the dribble, and impact games in transition gives Duke another dynamic offensive weapon. 

As Aaliyah Crump continues developing, her upside suggests she could emerge as one of the ACC’s most impactful guards. 

Her long-term potential positions Aaliyah Crump as a future leader and national spotlight performer for Duke with continued development and expanded minutes in upcoming ACC competition and beyond seasons.

Offensive Skill Evaluation 

Aaliyah Crump possesses versatile scoring ability, shooting range, and strong downhill attacking instincts. She creates separation off the dribble, finishes through contact, and thrives in transition while showing improving playmaking and efficient perimeter shooting touch.

Defensive Evaluation 

Aaliyah Crump uses length, lateral quickness, and competitiveness to defend multiple positions. She contests shots effectively, navigates screens, and disrupts passing lanes while improving consistency as an on-ball defender against elite collegiate guards and wings.

Basketball IQ 

Aaliyah Crump demonstrates strong awareness, understanding spacing, tempo, and defensive rotations. She makes smart reads, anticipates openings, and plays within structure while recognizing scoring opportunities and facilitating teammates effectively under pressure in late situations consistently.

Intangibles 

Aaliyah Crump brings competitiveness, confidence, and leadership potential to Duke. She plays with energy, embraces big moments, and contributes to team culture while demonstrating resilience, work ethic, and professionalism on and off court daily habits.

Areas for Improvement 

Aaliyah Crump can improve consistency, ball-handling under pressure, and defensive discipline. Continued development as a primary facilitator, along with strength gains, will elevate her ability to control pace and finish through contact against elite defenders.

Final Evaluation 

Aaliyah Crump projects as a high-impact guard for Duke with significant upside. 

Her size, scoring ability, and versatility make Aaliyah Crump a valuable backcourt piece. 

With expanded minutes, Aaliyah Crump could become a primary scoring option. 

Continued development defensively and as a facilitator will accelerate her growth. 

Aaliyah Crump’s competitiveness, confidence, and experience in high-level games position her to emerge as a consistent ACC contributor and potential all-conference performer with long-term professional potential as well.

Impact Players Elevating Women’s College Game

Sarah Strong

Avery Hjelmstad 

Lara Somfai

Aaliyah Crump

Jada Williams

Jada Williams, a 5-foot-8 junior guard committed to LSU, represents one of the most dynamic playmakers in the 2027 recruiting class. 

Jada Williams has built a reputation as an elite facilitator who blends scoring punch with advanced decision making. 

Averaging 15.3 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 7.7 assists this season, Jada Williams consistently controls tempo while elevating teammates. 

Her ability to create off the dribble, deliver precise passes, and score in clutch situations makes Jada Williams a centerpiece prospect for LSU’s future backcourt. 

Jada Williams thrives in transition, reads defenses quickly, and demonstrates polished ball handling under pressure. 

She plays with confidence, pace, and leadership beyond her years. 

Jada Williams also shows developing three point range and midrange touch, forcing defenders to respect multiple scoring levels. 

Her competitiveness, composure, and playmaking instincts separate Jada Williams from peers nationally. 

As she continues to mature physically and refine scoring efficiency, Jada Williams projects as an immediate impact guard at the collegiate level with long term professional upside. 

Jada Williams remains poised to thrive within LSU’s fast paced system. 

Jada Williams brings leadership, versatility, and championship expectations. 

Jada Williams continues rising nationally entering senior year with elite playmaking momentum for future success at LSU.

Offensive Skill Evaluation 

Jada Williams creates offense with dynamic handle, sharp vision, and confident scoring. She pushes tempo, collapses defenses, and distributes accurately. Jada Williams mixes perimeter shooting, midrange pull ups, and aggressive drives for consistent pressure daily.

Defensive Evaluation 

Jada Williams competes defensively with quick feet, anticipation, and active hands. She pressures ball handlers, jumps passing lanes, and communicates effectively. Jada Williams rebounds competitively and initiates transition opportunities while maintaining disciplined team positioning consistently.

Basketball IQ 

Jada Williams demonstrates advanced basketball IQ, reading defenses quickly and anticipating rotations. She manages tempo, identifies mismatches, and delivers timely passes. Jada Williams understands spacing, late game decisions, and situational awareness beyond her years consistently.

Intangibles 

Jada Williams brings leadership, competitiveness, and poise under pressure. She energizes teammates, communicates confidently, and embraces big moments. Jada Williams displays work ethic, resilience, and composure throughout challenging stretches while maintaining confidence and accountability daily.

Areas for Improvement 

Jada Williams can improve strength, finishing through contact, and defensive consistency. Developing deeper shooting range and limiting turnovers will elevate impact. Jada Williams benefits from continued physical development while refining off ball defensive awareness overall.

Final Evaluation 

Jada Williams projects as a high level collegiate guard capable of impacting winning immediately at LSU. 

Her playmaking, scoring versatility, and leadership provide long term value. 

Jada Williams thrives controlling pace, creating opportunities, and delivering in clutch moments. 

Continued development in strength and shooting consistency will elevate her ceiling. 

Jada Williams possesses elite instincts, competitive drive, and composure, positioning her as a future conference standout with professional potential and immediate impact for LSU program success.

Impact Players Elevating Women’s College Game

Sarah Strong

Avery Hjelmstad 

Lara Somfai

Aaliyah Crump

Jada Williams

How To Build A Recruiting Profile That Gets College Coaches’ Attention

In today’s competitive recruiting landscape, having a strong recruiting profile is no longer optional, it’s essential. 

College coaches are constantly searching for players online, evaluating prospects, and building recruiting boards. 

If your recruiting profile is incomplete, outdated, or difficult to find, you may be missing valuable opportunities.

A well-built recruiting profile acts as your digital resume. 

It tells coaches who you are, what you bring to the court, and why they should evaluate you further. 

The good news is that building a strong recruiting profile is simple when you know what to include and how to present it properly.

This guide will walk you through exactly how to build a recruiting profile that gets noticed.

Why A Recruiting Profile Matters

College coaches rely heavily on online research. Before attending games or reaching out, they often search for players online to gather information. A strong recruiting profile helps you:

• Increase visibility with college coaches
• Showcase your skills and strengths
• Provide contact information for easy communication
• Build credibility and professionalism
• Control your personal brand and reputation

A recruiting profile is your opportunity to make a strong first impression before a coach ever sees you play.

Step 1: Start With Basic Player Information

The foundation of your recruiting profile begins with accurate and complete personal information. Coaches want quick access to essential details.

Include:

• Full Name
• Graduation Year
• Height and Weight
• Position(s)
• High School Name
• AAU/Club Team
• Hometown and State
• GPA (If strong academically)
• Contact Information (Email + Phone)
• Coach Contact Information

Make sure this information is easy to read and placed near the top of your profile. Coaches should not have to search for basic details.

Step 2: Add A Strong Player Bio

Your player bio should give coaches a quick overview of your game, strengths, and potential. Keep it clear, confident, and professional.

Your bio should include:

• Playing style
• Strengths
• Leadership qualities
• Work ethic
• Development goals

Example:

“Dynamic guard known for scoring ability, court vision, and defensive intensity. Strong leadership skills and high basketball IQ. Continues developing perimeter shooting and playmaking while competing against elite competition.”

Keep your bio between 3–5 sentences.

Step 3: Include Highlight Video Links

Highlight videos are one of the most important parts of your recruiting profile. Coaches often evaluate video before watching players in person.

Your highlight video should:

• Be 2–4 minutes long
• Show your best plays first
• Include game footage (not drills only)
• Show multiple skills
• Include your jersey number and identifiers

Include links from platforms like:

• YouTube
• Hudl
• Twitter/X
• Instagram

Always make sure your videos are easy to access and working properly.

Step 4: List Athletic Strengths

Create a section that clearly outlines your strengths. This helps coaches quickly evaluate your potential.

Examples:

• Scoring ability
• Defensive versatility
• Rebounding
• Court vision
• Shooting range
• Athleticism
• Leadership
• Basketball IQ

Use bullet points for easy readability.

Step 5: Include Academic Information

Academics matter. Coaches want players who can succeed both on the court and in the classroom.

Include:

• GPA
• Academic awards
• Honor roll recognition
• Intended major (optional)
• Test scores (if strong)

Strong academic information can increase recruiting opportunities.

Step 6: Add Social Media Links

Social media plays a major role in recruiting today. Many coaches discover players through social media platforms.

Include:

• Twitter/X
• Instagram
• Hudl
• YouTube

Make sure your social media accounts are:

• Professional
• Updated regularly
• Basketball-focused
• Positive and respectful

Remember — coaches evaluate everything.

Step 7: Keep Your Profile Updated

Your recruiting profile should always be current. Update it regularly with:

• New highlights
• Awards and achievements
• Team accomplishments
• New stats
• Camp performances
• Tournament exposure

Updating your profile shows growth and continued development.

Step 8: Add Achievements And Honors

This section helps showcase your accomplishments and recognition.

Examples:

• All-Conference Honors
• Tournament MVP
• Team Captain
• All-State Recognition
• Academic Awards
• Showcase Invitations

Keep this section organized and easy to read.

Step 9: Make Your Profile Easy To Find

Once your recruiting profile is built, make sure coaches can find it.

Share your profile:

• On social media
• In emails to college coaches
• On recruiting platforms
• In scouting reports
• On personal websites

The more exposure your profile gets, the better.

Final Thoughts

Building a strong recruiting profile is one of the most important steps in the recruiting process. 

A complete, professional, and updated profile increases visibility, improves opportunities, and helps coaches evaluate your potential quickly.

Remember, recruiting is competitive. The players who stand out are the ones who take the time to present themselves professionally and consistently.

Start building your recruiting profile today and position yourself for future opportunities.

Ava Johnson, a 6’2″ forward from Kankakee High School and Class of 2027 prospect, continues attracting national attention. Ava Johnson brings size, versatility, and consistent production to the floor. A two-time IBCA All-State selection, she rebounds effectively, defends multiple positions, and finishes around the basket. Competing with M14 17U on the Adidas 3SSB circuit, Ava Johnson continues improving against elite competition. Her development and consistency are driving recruiting momentum. 

Click here to read the full scouting report.