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.