True and not true. Players have to get noticed, and that's primarily in the summer/fall with their club team (or sometimes with their HS team). You are correct that they check with the player's coaches to see what kind of student/kid he is. A lot of this falls upon the kid no matter where he plays.
But some clubs are more successful than others. Sometimes those club coachs actively work to get their kids recruited (or at least more than other coaches). Sometimes the reputation of the club/HS can play a big weight (look at the relationship between Crabs and Hopkins).
How far a club goes in a tournament can also help. Deeper runs give a better chance to be seen by the recruiters at those tournaments.
Madlax is the only club I've ever heard of that charges its kids to help them get into college. The Madlax kids we've spoken to say that Madlax doesn't do much for those who opt not to pay for this service.
Asking kids in your club to shell out $200 a month to help with recruiting seems crazy.
http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:2ucNHVhZNUcJ:capital.madlax.com/page/show/762677-college-recruiting-consulting+&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us
Madlax All-Stars Package
Cost $200/month
Open and available to 9th, 10th and 11th grade current Madlax all-stars.
Initial meeting (phone conference if out of region) with director in person with player and family
Development of a plan of attack and assignment of advisor for the student-athlete
Exclusive use of the Madlax recruiting letter to send college coaches and athletic resume
Quaterly meetings annually with advisor as necessary to re-focus
Unlimited positive character references in person, by e-mail, or phone by advisor or director for college coaches
Unlimited consultations/calls/emails with advisor
Unlimited contact with college coaches via phone or email by advisor
Exclusive use of all Madlax recruiting materials and letters
College list creation and discussion with updating throughout year
Counseling with respect to all aspects of the college admission process; application essays, recommendations, academic requirements for athletes
Unlimited counseling with respect to all aspects of game film, resumes, college visits, athletic scholarships, financial aid
Non-Madlax All-Stars Package: Cost $300/month
Open to a max of three players who are NOT part of the Madlax All-Sars program. lt inlcudes all the benefits of levels 1 and 2. Players must start this in 9th or 10th grade for it to be effective. It offers and includes all the same from the Madlax All-Stars packege above.
