Recruiting Advice From the 2026 Class

My articles on Memorial will be slightly different from what I've done for almost half a decade, because most of this won't be things I've written. In the second of my two articles today, you will see responses from prospects committed to play basketball in all three divisions about what they want younger players to know about the recruiting process. I may have some more responses to add at a later time because many of these athletes have things going on, like Memorial Day with their family or graduation, and I didn't want to badger them too much while they are busy. That said, here are the responses I received to the question: "For younger players who are going through the process as we speak, what advice would you give them as they go through that process?"   D2 Northern Michigan commit Alli Jirsa   "The process is so different for each player. You aren't always going to know what each coach's timeline or recruiting plan looks like, but you can't let that discourage you. Comparison will steal your confidence fast. Take as many calls as you can, build relationships, and be authentically you. Because the recruiting process is so competitive, you have to separate yourself from the players around you. Get extra shots up, work hard in the weight room, take your nutrition and recovery seriously. Trust that your path doesn't have to look like anyone else's for it to work out."   D1 Wisconsin-Madison commit Leah Nordin   "When picking the right school for you, make sure it's a place you would still want to attend even if basketball was no longer part of the equation."   D3 Wisconsin-Whitewater commit Gracee Langer   "For younger players going through it now, my advice would be to stay patient and trust your journey. Keep working hard, stay coachable, and the right opportunity will come."   D2 Michigan Tech commit Jasmin Heuer   "I would give the advice of, be yourself and make connections with the coaches. Find the place that really feels good for you and what you want, not what other people may tell you is best. And remember to enjoy the process and know there's going to be good and bad times!"   D2 Wisconsin-Parkside commit Izabel Durst   "For younger players going through the process right now, I'd say to keep working and stay patient. Don't get caught up in trying to impress everyone or comparing yourself to others. Find a school where you truly feel comfortable with the coaches, teammates, and environment because you're choosing somewhere you'll be spending a big part of your life, not just playing a sport. Also enjoy the process because it goes by faster than you think."   D3 Wisconsin-Oshkosh commit Audrey Meudt   "Keep your options open. Go visit as many schools as you get the opportunity to visit and talk to as many coaches as you can. It can be overwhelming, but it just helps you figure out exactly what you want. Coaches move through different divisions and different schools, make sure to keep good relationships with coaches and politely decline if you are uninterested in a school because you never know if they will move to a school that fits you better."   D1 Mount St. Mary's commit Rachel Chilicki   "Don't count out school right away. Do your research, go on visits, and get to know the team and staff. Just talking to someone on the phone is not enough. When I went on my visit to The Mount, I fell in love with every part of the school and team! But I would have had no idea I felt that way if I didn't go on the visit."   D2 Grand Valley State commit Graycin Phillips   "My advice would be to stay patient and trust yourself even during the hard parts. Injuries, setbacks, or loss of confidence can make you feel behind, especially when you compare yourself to other athletes with different recruiting opportunities, remember everyone's path is different. Don't let one bad season, injury, or slow recruiting period affect you. Just keep pushing yourself each day, and find the motivation to get better. Focus on finding a school where you truly fit as a person and athlete, and the right opportunity can come when you least expect it."   D1 Wright State commit Rowan Klesmit   "My biggest advice for players going through it right now is never compare your process to anyone else's. With social media, everyone sees everyone's commitments and offers, and may feel like they are behind in the process. Your timeline can always be so different than someone else's, and that's perfectly ok. The best situations and opportunities will find you at the right time, and your journey is truly yours. Also, never forget relationships and trust with coaches are super important!"   D1 Wisconsin-Green Bay commit Ady Ketterhagen   "Just enjoy it. AAU goes by so fast, and now that I'm a senior who wasn't able to play this year, it's hard watching my sisters get ready when I can't anymore. The recruiting process is filled with so much noise, so fully commit to the moment you're in with your team while continuing to grow as an individual. Don't compare yourself to others. Every college is looking for different types of players and people, and your path will look different from everyone else's. Stay focused on your work, trust your process, and find the fit that's right for you."   D1 Wisconsin-Green Bay commit Riley Ketterhagen   "For younger players who are going through the recruitment process, my advice to you would be to stop comparing your recruitment process to other athletes' recruitment processes. Different schools look for different positions, playing styles, personalities, and team needs. Some athletes get attention early, while others develop later and still end up at the same level/place. Comparing yourself to other athletes steals the joy of the game and adds so much pressure. Focusing too much on someone else's path and accomplishments can take away confidence in your own. The best thing you can do is to keep improving, stay consistent, and trust that the right program will value you for who you are as both a player and a person. A successful recruiting process isn't about having the most offers, interests, or attention; it's about finding the best fit for your future.   D2 Maryville commit Melia Lemorande   "The process is often unfair and overwhelming. Just remember the work you put in to get to this point. Trust in it. Give your all every minute you're on the floor, coaches look at scoring the least."   D1 Wisconsin-Madison commit Adaline Sheplee   "You are in charge of your own process, take control of your recruitment, and don't let it control you. Time management is important; make sure you are setting aside time to do fun things and maintain balance in your life. Prioritize schools that are a good fit for you and make sure they know your interest level. Get on campus and get a feel for what it would be like to be a student-athlete there, and get to know the girls!! These will be your new best friends, so it is so important that you feel like you will be able to connect with them."   *If you are reading this and are a 2026 graduate who'd also like your response to be added to this article, feel free to reach out to me, and I will make sure your response will be added!

My articles on Memorial will be slightly different from what I've done for almost half a decade, because most of this won't be things I've written. In the second of my two articles today, you will see responses from prospects committed to play basketball in all three divisions about what they want younger players to know about the recruiting process. I may have some more responses to add at a later time because many of these athletes have things going on, like Memorial Day with their family or graduation, and I didn't want to badger them too much while they are busy. That said, here are the responses I received to the question: "For younger players who are going through the process as we speak, what advice would you give them as they go through that process?"