Explore every episode of the podcast NXTVB
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Welcome to the NXTVB Podcast! | 31 May 2025 | 00:00:45 | |
Welcome to the NXTVB Podcast, the ultimate resource for rising volleyball athletes, supportive parents, and forward-thinking coaches navigating the next level of the game. Hosted by former Division 1 athlete, college coach, and certified life coach Susan Forbes, this show dives into the heart of volleyball recruiting, NIL changes, and the college athletics experience. Each episode delivers valuable insight, real stories, and actionable strategies to help athletes thrive on and off the court. Whether you're chasing a scholarship, supporting your athlete’s journey, or shaping future talent, the NXTVB Podcast is your go-to source for clarity, confidence, and competitive edge. Subscribe now and join us on the journey to becoming the next best version of yourself—through sport, mindset, and opportunity. 🚀 Recruit Ready Launch: Start Strong. Keep Things Easy. Get Recruited. The foundation for offers and opportunities in the college volleyball recruiting process starts here. Recruit Ready: Launch is for the families who want to have exactly what they need to effective in the process and get their daughter recruited. Enrollment Opens in November. Join the waitlist for priority access to join once enrollment opens in November (spots will be limited!) as well as the opportunity to choose from a variety of bonuses worth over $250! Learn more here: https://nxtvb.com/rr-launch Connect with Susan: P.S. If you’re an athlete with big goals, a parent who wants to support the journey, or a coach who cares deeply about your players, this podcast was made for you. Hit subscribe and come grow with us. | |||
| 3: What You Need to Know About Top Prospects | 01 Jun 2025 | 00:19:49 | |
June 15 isn’t just another date—it’s a defining moment in your volleyball recruiting journey. Whether you're one of the top athletes in the country or still working your way up, this episode will help you set realistic expectations, understand what’s normal (and what’s not), and avoid the emotional rollercoaster that can hit hard when calls, offers, or silence arrive. Host Susan Forbes breaks down the two types of D1 prospects, what happens before and after June 15, and why playing the long game can actually work in your favor. If you’re in the class of 2027, or supporting someone who is, this episode is your roadmap for what comes next. 🚀 Recruit Ready Launch: Start Strong. Keep Things Easy. Get Recruited. The foundation for offers and opportunities in the college volleyball recruiting process starts here. Recruit Ready: Launch is for the families who want to have exactly what they need to effective in the process and get their daughter recruited. Enrollment Opens in November. Join the waitlist for priority access to join once enrollment opens in November (spots will be limited!) as well as the opportunity to choose from a variety of bonuses worth over $250! Learn more here: https://nxtvb.com/rr-launch Connect with Susan: P.S. If you’re an athlete with big goals, a parent who wants to support the journey, or a coach who cares deeply about your players, this podcast was made for you. Hit subscribe and come grow with us. | |||
| 2: Must Have Conversation Before Commitment | 01 Jun 2025 | 00:22:19 | |
In this episode, Susan pulls back the curtain on the real reason families struggle during the college volleyball journey: misaligned expectations between parents and athletes. Before the offers, visits, and commitments come in, you need clarity on who decides what, how much college really costs, and what matters most to your daughter’s future. Susan walks you through the most important conversations to have before the pressure hits—so your athlete feels supported, confident, and ready to lead her own process. Chapters 00:00 – The #1 issue that silently derails recruiting 01:30 – What really goes wrong when parents + athletes aren’t aligned 02:50 – Who’s making the decision—and does everyone know it? 04:30 – The money talk: budget, scholarships, and hard truths 06:15 – D1, D2, NAIA, D3: what you need to know about aid 08:30 – Boundaries vs. flexibility—setting the right expectations 10:00 – Defining fit: values, location, team culture, and more 11:00 – Communication matters more than talent—here’s why 13:00 – Why parents doing “too much” hurts your athlete 15:25 – The power of messy action + why it gets results 17:45 – Prestige vs. alignment: what really leads to long-term success 20:00 – Helping your athlete choose for herself (not for the brand) 22:30 – What a united team at home looks like 24:00 – How to get expert support inside NXTVB 🚀 Recruit Ready Launch: Start Strong. Keep Things Easy. Get Recruited. The foundation for offers and opportunities in the college volleyball recruiting process starts here. Recruit Ready: Launch is for the families who want to have exactly what they need to effective in the process and get their daughter recruited. Enrollment Opens in November. Join the waitlist for priority access to join once enrollment opens in November (spots will be limited!) as well as the opportunity to choose from a variety of bonuses worth over $250! Learn more here: https://nxtvb.com/rr-launch Connect with Susan: P.S. If you’re an athlete with big goals, a parent who wants to support the journey, or a coach who cares deeply about your players, this podcast was made for you. Hit subscribe and come grow with us. | |||
| 1: Changes to D1 VB Recruiting and What You Need to Know | 01 Jun 2025 | 00:25:12 | |
The D1 volleyball recruiting landscape has changed, and if you're navigating the process as an athlete, parent, or coach, it's critical to stay ahead of the curve. In this premiere episode of the NXTVB Podcast, host Susan Forbes, former Division 1 athlete, coach, and certified life coach, breaks down the biggest shifts shaping NCAA volleyball recruiting today. From updated NCAA timelines and the June 15th contact rule to the real impact of NIL deals and the transfer portal, Susan unpacks everything you need to know to stay grounded and confident throughout the recruiting journey. Whether you're a top prospect, unsure where you stand, or simply overwhelmed by the process, this episode will help you gain clarity, set realistic expectations, and make empowered decisions for your future. In this episode I mention the June 15th Prep Club which ran for the month of May. If you are listening and want help prepping for June 15th, join us inside the ALL-IN Membership, we're dishing all that we can there leading up to June 15th and will be there to support you if you need beyond June 15th as well! Or if you're listening to this episode, and have a daughter who is in high school, and you're feeling a bit behind or like something is off in her recruiting process, apply for a Recruit Ready® Intensive. We'll meet your daughter where she's at and get her going the direction of her goals and dreams. Chapters 00:00 – Welcome to NXTVB and who this show is for 01:00 – Why the recruiting game is different in 2025 02:05 – NCAA rule: What June 15th really means 03:00 – NIL changes and how they’ve shifted athlete leverage 04:20 – The “Wild West” of college sports and what volleyball can expect 06:30 – Pressure on top coaches and the race for top recruits 08:45 – Early offers, deadlines, and high-stakes decisions 10:00 – What the June 15th Prep Club is and who it's for 11:15 – Why mid-tier programs are leaning into the transfer portal 13:40 – A longer recruiting process isn’t a bad thing 15:50 – Why it’s more expensive to be a top prospect 18:00 – Senior-year opportunities: they’re more common than you think 20:25 – Coaching changes, the portal, and shifting roster spots 22:45 – Why mindset, mentorship, and consistent strategy matter 🚀 Recruit Ready Launch: Start Strong. Keep Things Easy. Get Recruited. The foundation for offers and opportunities in the college volleyball recruiting process starts here. Recruit Ready: Launch is for the families who want to have exactly what they need to effective in the process and get their daughter recruited. Enrollment Opens in November. Join the waitlist for priority access to join once enrollment opens in November (spots will be limited!) as well as the opportunity to choose from a variety of bonuses worth over $250! Learn more here: https://nxtvb.com/rr-launch Connect with Susan: P.S. If you’re an athlete with big goals, a parent who wants to support the journey, or a coach who cares deeply about your players, this podcast was made for you. Hit subscribe and come grow with us. | |||
| Bonus Episode: Get to Know Michelle from Prep Dig CA (IG Live Replay) | 16 Jun 2025 | 00:55:54 | |
What does it really take to get noticed in the volleyball world—and what happens behind the scenes of the videos, write-ups, and rankings? In this special bonus episode, Susan sits down with Michelle Gardner, PrepDig California scout, writer, and volleyball superfan, to talk about what it’s like to be on the front lines of athlete exposure. They dive into everything from social media tips and Instagram bios to tournament prep, content creation, and the power of visibility beyond your highlight reel. Whether you're a parent, player, or coach, this episode is packed with insights on how to stand out—and how Michelle’s storytelling-first approach is making a difference for athletes nationwide. Chapters: 00:00 – Meet Michelle: How she got into volleyball + PrepDig What You’ll Learn:
Connect with Michell on IG: @prepdigca and @coachable247 🚀 Recruit Ready Launch: Start Strong. Keep Things Easy. Get Recruited. The foundation for offers and opportunities in the college volleyball recruiting process starts here. Recruit Ready: Launch is for the families who want to have exactly what they need to effective in the process and get their daughter recruited. Enrollment Opens in November. Join the waitlist for priority access to join once enrollment opens in November (spots will be limited!) as well as the opportunity to choose from a variety of bonuses worth over $250! Learn more here: https://nxtvb.com/rr-launch Connect with Susan: P.S. If you’re an athlete with big goals, a parent who wants to support the journey, or a coach who cares deeply about your players, this podcast was made for you. Hit subscribe and come grow with us. | |||
| 4: How to Make the Right Recruiting Decision (And Actually Feel Good About It) | 19 Jun 2025 | 00:19:58 | |
Making a decision about your future shouldn’t feel like pressure—it should feel like power. In this episode, Susan walks athletes and families through one of the most pivotal parts of the recruiting journey: how to make a decision you won’t regret. Whether you're weighing D1 offers, choosing between club teams, or wondering if it’s too late to change your mind—this is the mindset shift you’ve been missing. Learn how to separate desire from obligation, tune out external noise, and get clear on what YOU actually want. Because when your decision is aligned with your values, your vision, and your why—you show up with energy, motivation, and long-term success. Chapters: 🚀 Recruit Ready Launch: Start Strong. Keep Things Easy. Get Recruited. The foundation for offers and opportunities in the college volleyball recruiting process starts here. Recruit Ready: Launch is for the families who want to have exactly what they need to effective in the process and get their daughter recruited. Enrollment Opens in November. Join the waitlist for priority access to join once enrollment opens in November (spots will be limited!) as well as the opportunity to choose from a variety of bonuses worth over $250! Learn more here: https://nxtvb.com/rr-launch Connect with Susan: P.S. If you’re an athlete with big goals, a parent who wants to support the journey, or a coach who cares deeply about your players, this podcast was made for you. Hit subscribe and come grow with us. | |||
| Bonus Episode: College Camps at Clubs — Are They Worth It? (IG Live Replay) | 28 Jun 2025 | 00:49:07 | |
College camps at clubs are booming — but are they really the recruiting goldmine everyone says they are? In this episode, Susan teams up with Brett from Tribe Volleyball to break down exactly what athletes, parents, and coaches need to know about these camps. From how college coaches actually evaluate, to how athletes should prepare, to whether the cost is truly worth it, you’ll get real, behind-the-scenes insight on what these camps deliver (and what they don’t). They cover why some camps cost more, how coaches decide which events to attend, and how you can get the most out of the experience — even if you’re not a “top recruit.” If you’re weighing options for summer showcases, this conversation will help you invest your time, energy, and money wisely. 00:00 – Intro: Why college camps at clubs are a hot topic Connect with Brett: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tribevbrecruiting 🚀 Recruit Ready Launch: Start Strong. Keep Things Easy. Get Recruited. The foundation for offers and opportunities in the college volleyball recruiting process starts here. Recruit Ready: Launch is for the families who want to have exactly what they need to effective in the process and get their daughter recruited. Enrollment Opens in November. Join the waitlist for priority access to join once enrollment opens in November (spots will be limited!) as well as the opportunity to choose from a variety of bonuses worth over $250! Learn more here: https://nxtvb.com/rr-launch Connect with Susan: P.S. If you’re an athlete with big goals, a parent who wants to support the journey, or a coach who cares deeply about your players, this podcast was made for you. Hit subscribe and come grow with us. | |||
| 5: Should You Switch Clubs? The Truth About Choosing Your Team for Next Season | 03 Jul 2025 | 00:29:57 | |
Thinking about switching clubs? Read this before you jump. In this episode, Susan breaks down the mindset and strategy behind deciding whether to stick with your current club or look for a new one. With tryouts coming up, it’s one of the biggest choices you’ll make for your volleyball journey — and Susan wants to help you get it right. She dives into why there is no “perfect” club, how to balance playing time with long-term growth, and why sometimes the harder path might be the one that builds you into the strongest player. Susan also shares key insights on exposure, tournaments, and recruiting impact so you can weigh your options with confidence instead of stress. Chapters: 00:00 – Welcome + why club decisions feel so big 02:00 – Volleyball vs. other sports: why club contracts change everything 04:00 – The 50/50 rule and why no club is perfect 06:30 – The myth of “if I switch, it will be easier” 09:00 – Who you become through challenge 11:00 – Playing time vs. growth — how to weigh it 13:30 – Susan’s personal story about choosing a harder path 16:00 – Exposure: what it actually means for recruiting 18:30 – The tournaments that matter most for college coaches 20:00 – Playing up or down: what coaches really think 22:30 – How to set expectations with your club experience 25:00 – Final advice for families making club decisions 🚀 Recruit Ready Launch: Start Strong. Keep Things Easy. Get Recruited. The foundation for offers and opportunities in the college volleyball recruiting process starts here. Recruit Ready: Launch is for the families who want to have exactly what they need to effective in the process and get their daughter recruited. Enrollment Opens in November. Join the waitlist for priority access to join once enrollment opens in November (spots will be limited!) as well as the opportunity to choose from a variety of bonuses worth over $250! Learn more here: https://nxtvb.com/rr-launch Connect with Susan: P.S. If you’re an athlete with big goals, a parent who wants to support the journey, or a coach who cares deeply about your players, this podcast was made for you. Hit subscribe and come grow with us. | |||
| Bonus Episode: What No One Tells You About Mindset + Recruiting (IG Live Replay) | 10 Jul 2025 | 00:49:50 | |
You can have the skills, the highlight film, and the emails — but if your mindset isn’t right, none of it sticks. In this powerful conversation, Susan brings on Desi, a certified mindset and performance coach and former college middle blocker, to break down what most athletes miss about confidence, handling disappointment, and navigating the mental side of recruiting. They talk about why burying your emotions backfires, how to actually process disappointment (instead of pretending it’s fine), and why learning to fall in love with the process will change everything — on and off the court. Whether you’re a top recruit or just trying to make your club team, this episode is a must-listen if you want to play your best under pressure and build the skills that last far beyond volleyball. Chapters: 00:00 – Meet Desi + why mindset matters 🚀 Recruit Ready Launch: Start Strong. Keep Things Easy. Get Recruited. The foundation for offers and opportunities in the college volleyball recruiting process starts here. Recruit Ready: Launch is for the families who want to have exactly what they need to effective in the process and get their daughter recruited. Enrollment Opens in November. Join the waitlist for priority access to join once enrollment opens in November (spots will be limited!) as well as the opportunity to choose from a variety of bonuses worth over $250! Learn more here: https://nxtvb.com/rr-launch Connect with Susan: P.S. If you’re an athlete with big goals, a parent who wants to support the journey, or a coach who cares deeply about your players, this podcast was made for you. Hit subscribe and come grow with us. | |||
| 6: The Story Behind NXTVB: How I Found My Way Back to Volleyball | 17 Jul 2025 | 00:27:11 | |
This is the episode that explains it all. In this heartfelt solo episode, Susan opens up about the real journey behind the NXTVB Podcast and coaching platform. From resigning from a top club director role to almost starting an interior design business—and how a trip to Magnolia, a mindset breakthrough, and a $21K life coaching investment led her right back to volleyball. You’ll hear how Susan’s own experiences as a D1 athlete, coach, mom, and entrepreneur shaped her passion for helping girls not only get recruited—but also become the version of themselves who can thrive in life at the next level. This is the full-circle moment, and the foundation of everything NXTVB stands for. Chapters: 00:00 – From Dallas to Waco: how Joanna Gaines sparked this story 🚀 Recruit Ready Launch: Start Strong. Keep Things Easy. Get Recruited. The foundation for offers and opportunities in the college volleyball recruiting process starts here. Recruit Ready: Launch is for the families who want to have exactly what they need to effective in the process and get their daughter recruited. Enrollment Opens in November. Join the waitlist for priority access to join once enrollment opens in November (spots will be limited!) as well as the opportunity to choose from a variety of bonuses worth over $250! Learn more here: https://nxtvb.com/rr-launch Connect with Susan: P.S. If you’re an athlete with big goals, a parent who wants to support the journey, or a coach who cares deeply about your players, this podcast was made for you. Hit subscribe and come grow with us. | |||
| 7: This One Thought Is Sabotaging Your Recruiting Journey | 31 Jul 2025 | 00:25:35 | |
It’s not your skills, your stats, or your schedule. It’s the thought you keep believing. In this episode, Susan reveals the real reason athletes stay stuck, spiral into self-doubt, and lose momentum during the recruiting process, and it has nothing to do with talent. She breaks down the mindset model that changed her life and now helps her clients build lasting confidence, recover from rejection, and show up like the next-level version of themselves. You’ll hear how one single thought can impact how you feel, how you act, and ultimately what kind of results you create, both in recruiting and in life. Chapters: 00:00 – Why mindset—not motivation—is the real key to success 🚀 Recruit Ready Launch: Start Strong. Keep Things Easy. Get Recruited. The foundation for offers and opportunities in the college volleyball recruiting process starts here. Recruit Ready: Launch is for the families who want to have exactly what they need to effective in the process and get their daughter recruited. Enrollment Opens in November. Join the waitlist for priority access to join once enrollment opens in November (spots will be limited!) as well as the opportunity to choose from a variety of bonuses worth over $250! Learn more here: https://nxtvb.com/rr-launch Connect with Susan: P.S. If you’re an athlete with big goals, a parent who wants to support the journey, or a coach who cares deeply about your players, this podcast was made for you. Hit subscribe and come grow with us. | |||
| 8: Recruiting Secrets Every Athlete Should Know — Insights from a D1 Coach | 14 Aug 2025 | 00:46:28 | |
In this episode, Susan sits down with Aquiles Montoya, Head Coach at Cal State Northridge, to pull back the curtain on the recruiting process. From what catches a coach’s eye, to how they evaluate players, to the biggest mistakes athletes make in their emails, Coach Montoya gives candid, insider advice you won’t find on a recruiting website. Whether you’re in the Class of 2027 or already deep in the process, this conversation will help you approach your recruiting journey with confidence and strategy. Chapters 00:00 – Meet Coach Montoya + his journey to becoming Head Coach at CSUN Connect with Coach Montoya Instagram: @aquilesthethird CSUN IG: @csunwomensvb Website: https://gomatadors.com/sports/womens-volleyball 🚀 Recruit Ready Launch: Start Strong. Keep Things Easy. Get Recruited. The foundation for offers and opportunities in the college volleyball recruiting process starts here. Recruit Ready: Launch is for the families who want to have exactly what they need to effective in the process and get their daughter recruited. Enrollment Opens in November. Join the waitlist for priority access to join once enrollment opens in November (spots will be limited!) as well as the opportunity to choose from a variety of bonuses worth over $250! Learn more here: https://nxtvb.com/rr-launch Connect with Susan: P.S. If you’re an athlete with big goals, a parent who wants to support the journey, or a coach who cares deeply about your players, this podcast was made for you. Hit subscribe and come grow with us. | |||
| 9: How One Athlete Turned a “Maybe” Into a Full Roster Spot (Part 1, Real Recruiting Stories) | 28 Aug 2025 | 00:18:31 | |
Welcome to the Real Recruiting Stories mini-series, where we highlight the behind-the-scenes journeys of athletes navigating the ups and downs of the college recruiting process. In this first episode, Susan shares Emily’s inspiring path, a story that proves success isn’t always straightforward. After being offered a non-traditional role as a team manager instead of a roster spot, Emily faced a choice: walk away, or step in and keep working toward her dream. Her decision, relentless effort, and unshakable belief turned what looked like a setback into an incredible opportunity, earning her a full roster spot and a chance to thrive at the college level. This episode is a reminder that while the recruiting process can feel uncertain, your success is inevitable if you don’t give up. Chapters 00:00 – Why every recruiting journey looks different 02:30 – The messy middle nobody sees on Instagram 04:45 – Why “your success is inevitable if you don’t give up” 07:20 – The dartboard analogy: what recruiting really looks like 09:40 – Meet Emily: her unique offer and non-traditional path 12:35 – How Emily outworked expectations (and earned trust fast) 14:55 – From manager to roster spot: how she turned it around 16:30 – The bigger lesson: control what you can, believe in yourself 19:30 – Closing thoughts & how this story can guide your journey 🚀 Recruit Ready Launch: Start Strong. Keep Things Easy. Get Recruited. The foundation for offers and opportunities in the college volleyball recruiting process starts here. Recruit Ready: Launch is for the families who want to have exactly what they need to effective in the process and get their daughter recruited. Enrollment Opens in November. Join the waitlist for priority access to join once enrollment opens in November (spots will be limited!) as well as the opportunity to choose from a variety of bonuses worth over $250! Learn more here: https://nxtvb.com/rr-launch Connect with Susan: P.S. If you’re an athlete with big goals, a parent who wants to support the journey, or a coach who cares deeply about your players, this podcast was made for you. Hit subscribe and come grow with us. | |||
| 10: She Decommitted… and It Changed Everything (Part 2, Real Recruiting Stories) | 02 Sep 2025 | 00:14:03 | |
In Part 2 of the Real Recruiting Stories mini-series, Susan shares Kelsey’s journey, a rollercoaster recruiting process full of setbacks, detours, and unexpected turns that ultimately led her exactly where she was meant to be. From committing to her second-choice school, to decommitting after a coaching change, to finally landing at the program she loved all along, Kelsey’s story proves that the muddy middle isn’t a sign of failure — it’s just part of the process. If you’ve ever felt stuck, uncertain, or tempted to give up, this episode will encourage you to keep going. Because, as Susan reminds us, success in recruiting always goes to the girl who wants it the most. Chapters 00:00 – The muddy middle: why recruiting rarely feels perfect 02:30 – The lake + island analogy: what the process is really like 05:00 – Why the “mud” creates doubt and second-guessing 06:15 – Meet Kelsey: her junior year recruiting journey 08:30 – First full-ride offer vs. holding out for her dream school 10:30 – Committing to her second-choice school 11:00 – When her coach left — and why she decommitted 12:30 – How roster movement creates new opportunities 13:45 – The dream school reappears (and makes an offer) 15:00 – Why the mud isn’t failure, it’s the middle 16:00 – Encouragement for athletes in the messy middle 🚀 Recruit Ready Launch: Start Strong. Keep Things Easy. Get Recruited. The foundation for offers and opportunities in the college volleyball recruiting process starts here. Recruit Ready: Launch is for the families who want to have exactly what they need to effective in the process and get their daughter recruited. Enrollment Opens in November. Join the waitlist for priority access to join once enrollment opens in November (spots will be limited!) as well as the opportunity to choose from a variety of bonuses worth over $250! Learn more here: https://nxtvb.com/rr-launch Connect with Susan: P.S. If you’re an athlete with big goals, a parent who wants to support the journey, or a coach who cares deeply about your players, this podcast was made for you. Hit subscribe and come grow with us. | |||
| 11: Finding the Right Fit in an Unexpected Place (Real Recruiting Stories Part 3) | 11 Sep 2025 | 00:14:50 | |
Every athlete dreams of playing at the highest level — but the real win is finding the place where you can truly thrive. In this final episode of the Real Recruiting Stories mini-series, Susan shares Sally’s journey. Labeled “undersized,” Sally chased Division I dreams and, like so many athletes, would have loved to play D1 if the opportunity was there. But when the calls didn’t come, she found herself building strong connections with high-academic D3 programs instead. Then came the unexpected twist — a call from a nationally competitive Division II program. At first, it wasn’t the path she had imagined, but by staying curious and visiting with an open mind, Sally discovered that this school checked every box: academics, competition, and the chance to grow as both an athlete and a person. Her story is a reminder that while chasing D1 is a worthy goal, it isn’t the only path to success. The real measure of “making it” is finding a program where you can thrive on and off the court — even if it’s not the place you thought you’d end up. This is Part 3 — and the finale — of the Real Recruiting Stories mini-series. If you missed Emily’s or Kelsey’s stories, catch up first, then tune in for Sally’s inspiring conclusion. Chapters 00:00 – Why recruiting journeys never look the same 🚀 Recruit Ready Launch: Start Strong. Keep Things Easy. Get Recruited. The foundation for offers and opportunities in the college volleyball recruiting process starts here. Recruit Ready: Launch is for the families who want to have exactly what they need to effective in the process and get their daughter recruited. Enrollment Opens in November. Join the waitlist for priority access to join once enrollment opens in November (spots will be limited!) as well as the opportunity to choose from a variety of bonuses worth over $250! Learn more here: https://nxtvb.com/rr-launch Connect with Susan: P.S. If you’re an athlete with big goals, a parent who wants to support the journey, or a coach who cares deeply about your players, this podcast was made for you. Hit subscribe and come grow with us. | |||
| 12: The Realities of D1 Volleyball (What No One Talks About) | 25 Sep 2025 | 00:42:16 | |
Every athlete dreams of going D1, but what does it actually take, and what does life really look like once you get there? In this episode of the NXTVB Podcast, Susan breaks down the realities of playing Division I volleyball, from the five-month grind of the season to the hidden time commitments no one talks about. She also explains the differences between Power 4 programs, Top 50 schools, and mid-majors, and why understanding these categories is crucial when building your recruiting target list. You’ll learn how scholarships really work at the Division I level, the impact of roster limits and NIL changes, and why finding the right fit matters more than chasing labels. Whether you’re an athlete, parent, or coach, this episode will help you make more informed decisions in the recruiting process. Chapters 00:00 – Welcome + why lived experience shapes perspective 🚀 Recruit Ready Launch: Start Strong. Keep Things Easy. Get Recruited. The foundation for offers and opportunities in the college volleyball recruiting process starts here. Recruit Ready: Launch is for the families who want to have exactly what they need to effective in the process and get their daughter recruited. Enrollment Opens in November. Join the waitlist for priority access to join once enrollment opens in November (spots will be limited!) as well as the opportunity to choose from a variety of bonuses worth over $250! Learn more here: https://nxtvb.com/rr-launch Connect with Susan: P.S. If you’re an athlete with big goals, a parent who wants to support the journey, or a coach who cares deeply about your players, this podcast was made for you. Hit subscribe and come grow with us. | |||
| 13: The Real Competition in Recruiting (It’s Not Other Athletes) | 02 Oct 2025 | 00:32:55 | |
Every athlete worries about competition, but what if the biggest obstacle in the recruiting process isn’t another player across the net? In this week’s episode of the NXTVB Podcast, Susan breaks down one of the most overlooked truths in college recruiting: your daughter’s real competition is time and herself. From the unique culture of privacy in volleyball recruiting to why families often misjudge who their athlete is “up against,” Susan reframes what athletes and parents should actually be focusing on. You’ll learn why comparing yourself to teammates can hold you back, how to maximize the limited recruiting window, and why building belief and taking consistent action are more important than trying to be the “right fit” for every program. If you’ve ever felt stuck, behind, or unsure about how to stand out, this episode will give you the clarity and perspective to approach recruiting with confidence and strategy. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to NXT VB Podcast 00:00 – Grounded & Gritty: Kicking Off the Conversation 02:00 – The Culture of Privacy in Volleyball Recruiting 05:30 – The Myth of Teammates as Competition 07:00 – Why Direct Competition Rarely Exists 12:00 – The World’s Best Peach: Finding Your Fit 14:00 – The Real Competition in Recruiting 15:00 – Racing Against Time 18:00 – Facing Your Toughest Opponent: Yourself 22:00 – Building Belief Through Action 26:00 – Shifting Focus: Time + Self Over Others 27:00 – Introducing Recruit Ready Launch 30:30 – Final Takeaways & Next Steps 🚀 Recruit Ready Launch: Start Strong. Keep Things Easy. Get Recruited. The foundation for offers and opportunities in the college volleyball recruiting process starts here. Recruit Ready: Launch is for the families who want to have exactly what they need to effective in the process and get their daughter recruited. Enrollment Opens in November. Join the waitlist for priority access to join once enrollment opens in November (spots will be limited!) as well as the opportunity to choose from a variety of bonuses worth over $250! Learn more here: https://nxtvb.com/rr-launch Connect with Susan: P.S. If you’re an athlete with big goals, a parent who wants to support the journey, or a coach who cares deeply about your players, this podcast was made for you. Hit subscribe and come grow with us. | |||
| 16: How to Build a Target School List That Gets You Seen and Responses | 28 Oct 2025 | 00:26:48 | |
Before you hit “send” on another email to a college coach, pause. Do you actually know if those schools are the right fit for you athletically, academically, and personally? This episode is a little different. You’re getting a special preview of the Recruit Ready®️ Launch program, where Susan walks athletes and families through the exact steps to build a strong foundation for recruiting success. In this sneak peek, you’ll learn how to create a target school list that helps you stand out, stay consistent, and move forward with confidence. You’ll hear why most athletes get stuck in “trial-and-error mode,” what it means to think strategically, and how two simple approaches: the Strict List and the 5-20-10 Method, can completely reshape your recruiting journey. Whether you’re just getting started or trying to reboot your process, this episode helps you move from chaos to clarity, with a plan that actually works. Chapters 00:00 – Introduction to NXT VB Podcast 02:00 – The biggest mistake families make when starting recruiting 05:30 – Why strategy matters more than volume 09:00 – Two proven ways to build your target list 10:00 – The “Strict List” strategy explained 15:45 – How the 5-20-10 Method maximizes opportunity 18:00 – Reading your recruiting data and pivoting with purpose 22:30 – The mindset that separates consistent athletes from burnt-out ones 23:45 – Your next steps to officially launch your recruiting journey Join the Recruit Ready®️ Launch waitlist here: stan.store/heysusank/p/rrlwait Watch the Launch Preview Video https://us06web.zoom.us/clips/share/nFbAuHekQnuEz-Gc3E0sSw 🚀 Recruit Ready Launch: Start Strong. Keep Things Easy. Get Recruited. The foundation for offers and opportunities in the college volleyball recruiting process starts here. Recruit Ready: Launch is for the families who want to have exactly what they need to effective in the process and get their daughter recruited. Enrollment Opens in November. Join the waitlist for priority access to join once enrollment opens in November (spots will be limited!) as well as the opportunity to choose from a variety of bonuses worth over $250! Learn more here: https://nxtvb.com/rr-launch Connect with Susan: P.S. If you’re an athlete with big goals, a parent who wants to support the journey, or a coach who cares deeply about your players, this podcast was made for you. Hit subscribe and come grow with us. | |||
| 15: Before You Spend Another Dollar on Recruiting… You Need to Hear This | 23 Oct 2025 | 00:36:37 | |
Before you invest in another camp, showcase, or private lesson, ask yourself: Is my daughter building her own path—or am I paving it for her? In this episode, Susan helps you spot the difference between “wannabe ballers” (kids walking the golden road their parents paved) and “budding ballers” (athletes laying each brick of their journey themselves). You’ll learn the six key signs that show your athlete is ready to own her recruiting process—and what to do if she’s not there yet. This is a reality check for parents who want to support their daughters the right way: by handing them the bricks, not building the entire road. Chapters 00:00 – Introduction to NXT VB Podcast 03:00 – The two kinds of athletes: wannabe vs. budding ballers 05:30 – Why parents need to stop paving the golden road 09:30 – Six things to see before investing in recruiting 10:00 – #1: She watches college volleyball 10:45 – #2: She thrives in competitive environments 12:30 – #3: She’s not afraid to watch herself play 16:45 – #4: She’s open to visiting college campuses 20:00 – #5: She’s achieving her potential in the classroom 23:15 – #6: She’s excited about her future 26:30 – The reflection moment for parents 28:15 – When to pull back and let her lead 29:30 – Introducing Recruit Ready Launch 33:00 – Why clarity comes before commitment 34:15 – Final takeaways and encouragement for parents 🚀 Recruit Ready Launch: Start Strong. Keep Things Easy. Get Recruited. The foundation for offers and opportunities in the college volleyball recruiting process starts here. Recruit Ready: Launch is for the families who want to have exactly what they need to effective in the process and get their daughter recruited. Enrollment Opens in November. Join the waitlist for priority access to join once enrollment opens in November (spots will be limited!) as well as the opportunity to choose from a variety of bonuses worth over $250! Learn more here: https://nxtvb.com/rr-launch Connect with Susan: P.S. If you’re an athlete with big goals, a parent who wants to support the journey, or a coach who cares deeply about your players, this podcast was made for you. Hit subscribe and come grow with us. | |||
| 14: The Foundation Every Athlete Needs to Get Recruited | 09 Oct 2025 | 00:36:31 | |
Most families start their recruiting journey by jumping straight into action—sending emails, posting highlight reels, and signing up for every camp they can find. But without a real plan, all that effort can leave you spinning your wheels. In this episode of the NXTVB Podcast, Susan breaks down what athletes and parents often miss before trying to get “exposure.” She explains why having a solid recruiting foundation matters more than chasing visibility, and what that foundation actually looks like. You’ll see where most families go wrong and how to shift from staying busy to being effective. You’ll understand what to focus on first, how to target schools that actually fit, and what it takes to build a process that saves you time, money, and frustration. By the end, you’ll have more clarity on what needs to happen before you start chasing offers, and how to take control of your recruiting journey with purpose and direction. Chapters 00:00 – Introduction to NXT VB Podcast 01:00 – Spinning Your Wheels in Recruiting 03:30 – Why Exposure Alone Isn’t Enough 06:00 – Building a Foundation That Works 08:30 – From Busy to Effective 11:00 – Targeting Schools That Actually Fit 13:30 – The Power of Having a Plan 16:00 – Avoiding the “Do It All” Trap 18:30 – Creating Clarity and Direction 21:00 – Recruit Ready Launch Invitation 23:00 – Closing Thoughts & Next Steps 🚀 Recruit Ready Launch: Start Strong. Keep Things Easy. Get Recruited. The foundation for offers and opportunities in the college volleyball recruiting process starts here. Recruit Ready: Launch is for the families who want to have exactly what they need to effective in the process and get their daughter recruited. Enrollment Opens in November. Join the waitlist for priority access to join once enrollment opens in November (spots will be limited!) as well as the opportunity to choose from a variety of bonuses worth over $250! Learn more here: https://nxtvb.com/rr-launch Connect with Susan: P.S. If you’re an athlete with big goals, a parent who wants to support the journey, or a coach who cares deeply about your players, this podcast was made for you. Hit subscribe and come grow with us. | |||