The nature of women's college basketball recruiting has changed considerably in recent years, as the effects of Title IX laws are fully felt. This decades-old federal legislation prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender when it comes to education or activities eligible for federal aid, and it has led to the development of new women's sports programs nationwide. This means increased opportunity, but also increased competition for scholarships.

Get an Edge in Women's College Basketball Recruiting

To maintain a critical edge in an increasingly cutthroat climate, you need visibility. You want to work diligently to separate yourself from the pack. Some factors may already be in place, such as the reputation of your current team, the competitiveness of your conference, and the number of tournaments in which you've played. However, these aren't the only things that matter, and gaining exposure is about aggressively putting yourself out there.

Conduct research on women's college basketball recruiting. Many colleges and universities have a specific commitment to developing women's athletic programs and you want to fill out questionnaires and get on the necessary list serves as soon as possible. You also want to identify the staff with whom you should be interfacing throughout the recruitment process.

Given the competitive nature of women's college basketball recruiting, you will also want to have video footage of yourself in action close at hand. Create a PrepChamps profile and use that valuable tool to market yourself to recruiters. It never hurts to compile your game highlights and then send your profile link; however, serious candidates usually are expected to submit a complete game for review. Put yourself out there and showcase your talents creatively to give yourself the best shot at a basketball scholarship.