As a successfully recruited college athlete at Vassar College, I've been through the process. For most sports, there is a strict timeline that college coaches must follow as they recruit prospective athletes. It's crucially important to be aware of this, and make the right moves at the right times. How well you navigate this process will determine the likelihood you're able to compete for a desired institution in the future. Being in good relations with a coach can often times be the deciding factor in acceptance into a prestigious school. This information is not published anywhere, and is often learned through word of mouth. I was only made aware through upperclassmen when I was in high school.