I was the recruiting coordinator for a Nationally ranked Gold TB team. College coaches show up if you are in contact with them and they are interested. We never had a problem getting players recruited at the 18U Gold level. The coaches that are at the fields watching their already committed players can also check out prospects. During the summer of 2019 we had an already signed JUCO pitcher that moved to Texas from Missouri and the school was no longer a good fit for various reasons. She got her release while we were at Boulder. We had a D1 team that sent 3 different coaches to watch her play throughout the summer. Ultimately, they chose to pass, but they were still looking for a pitcher that late in the summer. 3 years ago we had SEC, Big 12 head coaches checking out
Before the age changes years ago, yes more recruiting was happening in the 14U/16U divisions because the coaches were trying to keep up with their peers who were verballing kids in 9th grade. The coaches these days like the slowed down process and they would rather see these prospects play against the best competition. If they are starting on their HS varsity team, they are already playing against 18U competition. All teams are not created equal. Top 20 TB teams in the country will want you to play at your age level to create the oldest, most competitive team to go out and win National Championships. Those teams won't have a problem with recruiting. Their number 1 teams in the org. will consist of P5 type players. A freshman/sophomore playing and contributing on a competitive 18U team will get some attention.
Before the age changes years ago, yes more recruiting was happening in the 14U/16U divisions because the coaches were trying to keep up with their peers who were verballing kids in 9th grade. The coaches these days like the slowed down process and they would rather see these prospects play against the best competition. If they are starting on their HS varsity team, they are already playing against 18U competition. All teams are not created equal. Top 20 TB teams in the country will want you to play at your age level to create the oldest, most competitive team to go out and win National Championships. Those teams won't have a problem with recruiting. Their number 1 teams in the org. will consist of P5 type players. A freshman/sophomore playing and contributing on a competitive 18U team will get some attention.