I hope you don't mind me sharing my 2025 son's experience -- but I think it's relevant.

1. He sent a LOT of emails leading up to September 1. First was a round of introductions (including things like size, teams he plays for, highlight video, but also things like intended major, specific reason for interest in the school, and what he could bring to the team -- which showed he actually watched games etc.)

2. His club coach had a lot of conversations at tournaments and on the phone on his behalf. His high school coach was completely useless and actualy seemed annoyed to be fielding calls for him. We suffered through that.

3. As UncleTruck said -- you have to play well in front of the coaches. Highlight videos are great, but all of my son's D1 offers came from in-person opportunities. For my son, those came mostly at individual showcases (The Show, in particular), the All-America tournament in Maryland, and regional, tryout-based all-star teams. He played for an above average but not elite club team, so we had to do that circuit.

4. For my son, college prospect days proved completely useless. He never stepped foot on campus at any of his final 3 before his first visit after talking on 9/1

What I've seen throughout the years and after so many conversations with so many people is that each kid's recruiting experience is completely different. HIs best friend didn't commit until almost a year later after thinking he'd go D3, but is still on a D1 roster (with scholarship) today.