If you are interested in playing Division 3 athletics if you can make the team, at what point in your high school career should you reach out to the coaches in the colleges that interest you? And is there anything you need to prepare (video of you playing, etc.?-- what to include, where to find videographer; other items)?
(If this matters to your reply: Assume student would not be one of the top athletic recruits but might make the team roster-- and student is a competitive applicant academically with scores and grades comparable to admitted students’.)
I don’t know much about recruiting for tennis, but I would think you would want to reach out before the season junior year. (Since it’s a spring sport, they’re not going to wait for your senior season. ) Based on other sports, you should have a list of what you’ve won, both interscholastic and other tournaments, and a highlights tape. You can start with the “recruit me” form on the school 's website. Schedule a meeting with the coach when you visit. In some sports, the summer ID camps are a great way to connect and show your talent. You may want to re post your thread, but call it D3 Tennis.
I feel it is totally fine to reach out to the coach during your Junior year. I would say to attend the college’s fall Open House when many coaches man tables to interact. Go speak with him and talk about it. Maybe schedule a more in depth conversation. Ask the coach what would be the best way for you to convey your talent to him. Some sports are easier than others to convey talent. Running is very easy. Football and Basketball a bit tougher because coaches like to see if your a team player, etc.
many schools’ coaches also have a clinic where prospects are invited to attend. contact the coach or look on the website to see when that is. this may also provide an opportunity to do an overnight.
not all schools’ sports programs are created equal. look at various teams’ records and rosters and determine where you think you’d fit in best. you may be qualified to start at school A and not even invited to join team B.
