What It Takes- Division I Prospects: 2021/2022

After spending the past 3 years working for a Top Ten NCAA program at Oregon State, I have seen first hand the time and commitment it takes to be recruited at the highest level in women’s college basketball. It takes a special type of drive, determination, and work ethic to even be considered, let alone earn a scholarship, for a Division I program. Aside from that, for the most successful programs it takes a certain level of character. After all, you are going to be spending the majority of your time with your coaches and teammates over the next four years, so having the personalities to create a winning atmosphere is an aspect that is often overlooked when assessing talent. These are just a few upperclassmen players that have already confirmed interest from DI programs, or that I think have potential to serve at this level in some capacity in the right program. &nbsp; <em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="158481" first="Taylin" last="Smith"] - Liberty 2021 - PG</strong></em> Taylin is a UNLV commit that is well deserving of every look she has been given. She is a  true point guard, as seen in her dynamic ball handling skills. She isn’t all that big, at just 5’6”, however she makes up for it with her speed and agility in all directions. She creates space for her teammates by being able to attack anywhere at any time, creating defensive crashes and allowing lanes to open up for her teammates. In addition to that, she is able to create her own 3 point opportunities off the dribble and at long range. &nbsp; <em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="207816" first="Brooklyn" last="Strandy"] - West Albany 2022 - SG/SF</strong></em> At 6’0”, Strandy has potential to be a standout DI guard in a couple of years. With confirmed interest from the University of Portland, she offers a variety of sound qualities to contribute to this level of program. She fulfills multiple roles on the floor as both a shooting guard, with a smooth trailing 3, and a small forward, guarding and finishing around the basket. Defensively, she is super long, which allows her to get her hand into passing lanes rather frequently, earning her a handful of steals in most games. &nbsp; <em><strong>Mimi Bolden - South Salem 2021 - SG</strong></em> Bolden plays with the demeanor and unselfish traits that contribute strongly to the character aspect of what it takes to be DI material. She is sometimes a quiet player, and what I mean by that is that she takes care of some of the dirty work that would generally go unnoticed because it lacks the flashiness that observers crave. She has smart defensive positioning and is always ready to help. She is an active communicator on and off the floor, and is always willing to make the extra pass to a teammate who may have slightly better positioning for success. Mimi gets the job done in the most direct and efficient way possible and does what her team asks of her when it’s needed.