Serious interest started in mid July with two NESCAC and one Centennial HA D3. Son wasn't getting a great feel with a few Ivy's he'd been talking with, so he upticked his conversation with these three HA D3's, which were his top 3 backups. Son mentioned he'd like to visit their schools following the July Showball Showcase. These D3's had seen him play at least 3 times that summer.
And when did coaches actually ask to get an admissions pre-read / offer a spot on the team? Coaches got admission pre-reads mid July prior to ShowBall Showcase. After ShowBall son felt Ivy's were gone. He visited these HA D3's in August to figure out which campus and setting he preferred. Son didn't BS the Coaches, after the visits and lengthy conversations the school and HC he thought was his number 1 he stated that to the HC clearly. That HC said son was his number 1 recruit and offered support through admissions based on applying ED1. Deal closed. HC was very clear it's support not a guarantee, however he stated because son was his first choice and his scores were within the 50% of accepted students he didn't expect any issues at all. Son never doubted his choice of school or his ability to get accepted.
Son has never looked back. Loves his school, loves his coach, works his butt off, had a strong semester academically, started the first game last week, now hoping his bat kicks in..... I'm looking forward to seeing his three game series this weekend!
EDIT: IMO emailing a few choice HA D3's in May of Junior yr is perfect. These HC's are just ending their season, developing a player watch list for June Showcases. Get seen in June, again in July, now the coaches will have seen you play a few times, then hopefully conversation gets active in August, visit in Sept, and hopefully get offer. IF conversations with HA D3's don't get active in August, I'd plan on going to the AZ Fall Senior Showcase.
As Smoke said: listen to what the Coaches are saying, when in doubt ask to clarify. Can be really frustrating interpreting what HC is saying to son and what son is relaying to you.