I'm a girls' basketball player hoping to play at the D1 college level. What sources do you guys think are most accurate for finding women's basketball rankings for D1 colleges? I want to make sure I'm targeting the right schools in terms of athletic programs and reputation.
To find accurate women's basketball rankings for D1 colleges, you can rely on a mixture of sources, as they might have differences in their ranking methodologies. Some of these sources include:
1. NCAA RPI (Ratings Percentage Index): This is an official NCAA ranking system based on team wins, strength of schedule, and opponents' performance. You can find the most up-to-date rankings on the NCAA website.
2. Associated Press (AP) Top 25 Poll: The AP Poll includes rankings from sports journalists and is typically released weekly during the basketball season. It covers the top 25 teams in the country.
3. USA Today Coaches Poll: Similar to the AP Poll, the USA Today Coaches Poll compiles votes from Division I women's college basketball coaches to rank the top 25 teams. Like the AP Poll, it's released weekly during the season.
4. ESPN's Bracketology: While not a traditional ranking, ESPN's women's basketball analyst, Charlie Creme, provides Bracketology updates, which are predictions of how teams will be seeded in the NCAA tournament. These can give you an idea of each team's relative strength.
Remember, while rankings can give you an idea of a team's success and reputation, it's crucial to consider other factors such as the coaching staff, facilities, team culture, and the overall academic fit when evaluating potential schools to play for. Reach out to the coaching staff at schools you are interested in, and they can provide you with more detailed information about their program and what they are looking for in potential student-athletes.
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