Got to say I find the standard 'I'm looking for a family atmosphere' a rather meaningless statement. I don't know of any coaching staff or program that isn't aiming for exactly that - you have everyone together, living on top of each other, spending the majority of their time outside classes and sleeping working together either in practice or the gym, and traveling around the country together - sounds like a 'family'. Of course there are a few programs that disintegrate for a variety of reasons each year but the vast majority are pretty happy. And every family is different (some rather disfunctional) so which one do you use as a model the Cleavers, the Bunkers or the Jeffersons, or the Kardasians? So what they are really saying is 'I am looking for a program that I feel comfortable in', duh.
As for starting as a freshman, it is what it is. I wonder how Edwards feels about her freshman season, stuck on the bench for the start of 22 games? She would likely be starting for 300 other D1 programs, but suspect she is happy with her choice. And wonder how many HS kids would turn down a USA under___ team that wanted them to come off the bench?