There's definitely much content within this college thread. When you add up all the info...sprinkle in a bit of locker room chatter + good ole' smack talk ...and wallah = Welcome to Socalsoccer.com
Communication: Yes....your DD should contact coaches in a clean/concise/targeted email and she should copy her club coach. I don't know the "new" NCAA rules. I do know that there is and will continue to be "workarounds".
When our DD was in the process, once she'd received interest from college programs, she called & spoke with coaches. The rule then, was they couldn't call or email her directly (
her freshman year). They did however, call and immediately hangup. DD seeing the missed call, would know that ABC coach wanted to connect and she'd call them.
Video: Don't know, she didn't use them. Others on the forum have, and seem to have had success.
Genetics: You mentioned you were a college athlete. Over the years, I've observed that many of the girls who were recruited/play at the next level, generally had a parent or family who were athletes in college and/or pro. So your DD should consider herself blessed (
though she may not realize or act like it now)
Perhaps the biggest tip I can share w/you is for you and your daughter to comprise a plan. Work the plan. Be targeted. Be specific. Be pragmatic. Be realistic (
i.e. skill set matches program).
Best of luck to you/your DD