College sports are not a big thing in other countries. My kids attended a French immersion school in the early elementary years; my youngest is still there. My eldest is going into her senior year in HS and is looking at colleges. When I speak with the folks from the immersion school - many of them grew up in other countries - they are perplexed by the US college admissions process. Most other countries base college entrance on an exam, and extra-curricular activities don't matter in admissions.
The reason why the coaches scout middle school kids is because they can communicate with them freely, anywhere & anytime, before they reach HS. The NCAA restrictions on communicating with athletes kick in once the kids reach HS.
