NXTVB – Details, episodes & analysis

If you think Division II volleyball is “second-best,” this episode will completely shift your perspective.

In Part 1 of this special two-part series, Susan sits down with national champion coaches Kim Cherniss and Danny Scott from Cal State San Bernardino to break down the real gap between D1 and D2 — and why it’s much smaller than most families think.

Kim and Danny share what truly matters in the college experience, why longevity and culture outweigh “shiny logos,” and the characteristics athletes need to thrive at the Division II level. Their insights from decades of coaching are eye-opening for parents and athletes navigating recruiting with assumptions or misinformation.

If your athlete is exploring different divisions — or if you’ve ever questioned what “fit” really means — this conversation is a must-listen.

Chapters

00:00 – Meet Kim Cherniss & Danny Scott: national champions with decades of experience

03:00 – What makes their coaching partnership work

06:30 – Why consistency and longevity matter more than prestige

09:00 – The gap between D1 and D2: what families misunderstand

12:00 – What type of athlete thrives at the D2 level

15:00 – Real examples of athletes who found their perfect fit

18:30 – Why recruiting is about culture, not logos

20:30 – Athletes who chose D2 over D1 — and why it worked

24:00 – What coaches actually look for in recruits

28:00 – How physicality and skill differ across divisions

32:00 – Final thoughts: why D2 is far more competitive than people think

Connect with Susan:
Check out the website: www.nxtvb.com
Follow on Instagram + TikTok: @hey.susank

Quick shoutout to our podcast sponsor University Athlete. The only volleyball-exclusive recruiting platform used by 95% of college coaches. It’s where athletes get seen, get evaluated, and get recruited. Plus it's free and only takes a couple of minutes to activate your profile. 

Click the link below to claim your free profile.

CLAIM YOUR FREE PROFILE HERE

If you decide you want to upgrade to the All-Access pass be sure to use the code ‘NXTVB30’ to save 30% on your yearly membership. 

Subscription boxes are all the rave (we get it, they are FUN!) and we’ve developed one for the recruiting process that comes with 1:1 support in our new Set for Success Membership!

Every Month as Member You Get to Choose from One of the Following for Support:

🖥️ 1:1 ADVISING CALL with either Sonja, Jessie or Susan from the NXTVB team.
🎥 HIGHLIGHT FILM professionally produced and done for you.
🗣️ OUR TARGETED TAKE with detailed feedback on one specific part of your process, so it's worth your time and effort!
😎 PLUS SEASONAL OFFER...

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

Connect with Susan:
Check out the website: www.nxtvb.com
Follow on Instagram + TikTok: @hey.susank

Quick shoutout to our podcast sponsor University Athlete. The only volleyball-exclusive recruiting platform used by 95% of college coaches. It’s where athletes get seen, get evaluated, and get recruited. Plus it's free and only takes a couple of minutes to activate your profile. 

Click the link below to claim your free profile.

CLAIM YOUR FREE PROFILE HERE

If you decide you want to upgrade to the All-Access pass be sure to use the code ‘NXTVB30’ to save 30% on your yearly membership. 

Subscription boxes are all the rave (we get it, they are FUN!) and we’ve developed one for the recruiting process that comes with 1:1 support in our new Set for Success Membership!

Every Month as Member You Get to Choose from One of the Following for Support:

🖥️ 1:1 ADVISING CALL with either Sonja, Jessie or Susan from the NXTVB team.
🎥 HIGHLIGHT FILM professionally produced and done for you.
🗣️ OUR TARGETED TAKE with detailed feedback on one specific part of your process, so it's worth your time and effort!
😎 PLUS SEASONAL OFFER...

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
02:00 – The problem with toxic positivity and fake confidence
04:15 – Why "just be positive" doesn't actually work
06:30 – The mindset model: how your thoughts shape your emotions and actions
08:00 – The power of awareness: recognizing what you’re actually thinking
10:00 – Two athletes. One rejection. Two totally different outcomes
13:00 – How to create belief that feels real (not fake or forced)
15:30 – Emotional responsibility: owning your reaction without shame
18:00 – The difference between “delusional” belief and aligned belief
20:00 – Why most athletes sabotage themselves after things get hard
23:00 – Final thoughts + how to shift your story starting today

Connect with Susan:
Check out the website: www.nxtvb.com
Follow on Instagram + TikTok: @hey.susank

Quick shoutout to our podcast sponsor University Athlete. The only volleyball-exclusive recruiting platform used by 95% of college coaches. It’s where athletes get seen, get evaluated, and get recruited. Plus it's free and only takes a couple of minutes to activate your profile. 

Click the link below to claim your free profile.

CLAIM YOUR FREE PROFILE HERE

If you decide you want to upgrade to the All-Access pass be sure to use the code ‘NXTVB30’ to save 30% on your yearly membership. 

Subscription boxes are all the rave (we get it, they are FUN!) and we’ve developed one for the recruiting process that comes with 1:1 support in our new Set for Success Membership!

Every Month as Member You Get to Choose from One of the Following for Support:

🖥️ 1:1 ADVISING CALL with either Sonja, Jessie or Susan from the NXTVB team.
🎥 HIGHLIGHT FILM professionally produced and done for you.
🗣️ OUR TARGETED TAKE with detailed feedback on one specific part of your process, so it's worth your time and effort!
😎 PLUS SEASONAL OFFER...

This is the episode that explains it all.
Why volleyball. Why mindset. Why Susan.

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
02:00 – Why Susan almost became an interior designer
03:30 – Resigning from her dream volleyball job during COVID
06:00 – When the weight loss journey led to a mindset breakthrough
08:45 – Discovering coaching tools that changed everything
10:30 – The turning point: student-athlete mental health in the headlines
12:00 – The moment Susan knew she needed to help athletes
13:45 – The $21K life coaching certification (and why it was worth it)
15:30 – How her academic background tied into athlete development
18:00 – Why she didn’t end up working in athletic departments
19:30 – Coaching, club roles, motherhood, and staying in the game
21:00 – Why mindset work and recruiting go hand in hand
23:30 – The mission of NXTVB: it’s not just about getting recruited
24:30 – The real reward: becoming the version of you who can do hard things
26:00 – What to expect on this podcast moving forward

Connect with Susan:
Check out the website: www.nxtvb.com
Follow on Instagram + TikTok: @hey.susank

Quick shoutout to our podcast sponsor University Athlete. The only volleyball-exclusive recruiting platform used by 95% of college coaches. It’s where athletes get seen, get evaluated, and get recruited. Plus it's free and only takes a couple of minutes to activate your profile. 

Click the link below to claim your free profile.

CLAIM YOUR FREE PROFILE HERE

If you decide you want to upgrade to the All-Access pass be sure to use the code ‘NXTVB30’ to save 30% on your yearly membership. 

Subscription boxes are all the rave (we get it, they are FUN!) and we’ve developed one for the recruiting process that comes with 1:1 support in our new Set for Success Membership!

Every Month as Member You Get to Choose from One of the Following for Support:

🖥️ 1:1 ADVISING CALL with either Sonja, Jessie or Susan from the NXTVB team.
🎥 HIGHLIGHT FILM professionally produced and done for you.
🗣️ OUR TARGETED TAKE with detailed feedback on one specific part of your process, so it's worth your time and effort!
😎 PLUS SEASONAL OFFER...

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
02:00 – Desi’s story: from headcase to certified mindset coach
05:30 – The difference between venting and real change
08:00 – Why positivity alone isn’t enough
10:00 – How to acknowledge disappointment without losing hope
13:30 – The power of asking why you aren’t a 10
16:00 – The 50/50 principle + how it applies to recruiting
19:30 – Understanding dopamine highs and lows
22:00 – Why celebrating small wins trains your brain for success
25:00 – How to prep before talking with coaches
28:00 – Getting out of “prove mode” and back to having fun
32:00 – Why coaches love athletes who create positive energy
35:00 – Final thoughts: focus on who you become, not just what you achieve

Connect with Susan:
Check out the website: www.nxtvb.com
Follow on Instagram + TikTok: @hey.susank

Quick shoutout to our podcast sponsor University Athlete. The only volleyball-exclusive recruiting platform used by 95% of college coaches. It’s where athletes get seen, get evaluated, and get recruited. Plus it's free and only takes a couple of minutes to activate your profile. 

Click the link below to claim your free profile.

CLAIM YOUR FREE PROFILE HERE

If you decide you want to upgrade to the All-Access pass be sure to use the code ‘NXTVB30’ to save 30% on your yearly membership. 

Subscription boxes are all the rave (we get it, they are FUN!) and we’ve developed one for the recruiting process that comes with 1:1 support in our new Set for Success Membership!

Every Month as Member You Get to Choose from One of the Following for Support:

🖥️ 1:1 ADVISING CALL with either Sonja, Jessie or Susan from the NXTVB team.
🎥 HIGHLIGHT FILM professionally produced and done for you.
🗣️ OUR TARGETED TAKE with detailed feedback on one specific part of your process, so it's worth your time and effort!
😎 PLUS SEASONAL OFFER...

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

Connect with Susan:
Check out the website: www.nxtvb.com
Follow on Instagram + TikTok: @hey.susank

Quick shoutout to our podcast sponsor University Athlete. The only volleyball-exclusive recruiting platform used by 95% of college coaches. It’s where athletes get seen, get evaluated, and get recruited. Plus it's free and only takes a couple of minutes to activate your profile. 

Click the link below to claim your free profile.

CLAIM YOUR FREE PROFILE HERE

If you decide you want to upgrade to the All-Access pass be sure to use the code ‘NXTVB30’ to save 30% on your yearly membership. 

Subscription boxes are all the rave (we get it, they are FUN!) and we’ve developed one for the recruiting process that comes with 1:1 support in our new Set for Success Membership!

Every Month as Member You Get to Choose from One of the Following for Support:

🖥️ 1:1 ADVISING CALL with either Sonja, Jessie or Susan from the NXTVB team.
🎥 HIGHLIGHT FILM professionally produced and done for you.
🗣️ OUR TARGETED TAKE with detailed feedback on one specific part of your process, so it's worth your time and effort!
😎 PLUS SEASONAL OFFER...

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
 02:00 – How these camps work behind the scenes
 04:30 – Why college coaches actually say yes to attend
 06:00 – Costs, stipends, and what clubs provide for coaches
 08:00 – Evaluating multiple athletes at once: the efficiency factor
 10:00 – Why college coaches really like these events
13:00 – Should you only attend camps with your dream schools?
15:00 – What athletes should do before arriving
18:00 – The power of sending emails ahead of time
21:00 – How to use these camps to stand out (even if you’re not a star)
25:00 – Why exposure does not equal a guaranteed offer
28:00 – How to handle nerves and practice communication
30:00 – Final tips for picking the right camps for your goals

Connect with Brett:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tribevbrecruiting

Connect with Susan:
Check out the website: www.nxtvb.com
Follow on Instagram + TikTok: @hey.susank

Quick shoutout to our podcast sponsor University Athlete. The only volleyball-exclusive recruiting platform used by 95% of college coaches. It’s where athletes get seen, get evaluated, and get recruited. Plus it's free and only takes a couple of minutes to activate your profile. 

Click the link below to claim your free profile.

CLAIM YOUR FREE PROFILE HERE

If you decide you want to upgrade to the All-Access pass be sure to use the code ‘NXTVB30’ to save 30% on your yearly membership. 

Subscription boxes are all the rave (we get it, they are FUN!) and we’ve developed one for the recruiting process that comes with 1:1 support in our new Set for Success Membership!

Every Month as Member You Get to Choose from One of the Following for Support:

🖥️ 1:1 ADVISING CALL with either Sonja, Jessie or Susan from the NXTVB team.
🎥 HIGHLIGHT FILM professionally produced and done for you.
🗣️ OUR TARGETED TAKE with detailed feedback on one specific part of your process, so it's worth your time and effort!
😎 PLUS SEASONAL OFFER...

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:
00:00 – Welcome: The real reason decision-making feels hard
01:30 – Why athletes struggle with ownership in big choices
03:15 – What most families miss about the “pressure” of offers
05:00 – Desire vs. obligation: how to check your reasons
07:30 – How to know if you’re making a choice out of fear or alignment
10:45 – Staying close to home? Make sure it’s your decision
13:20 – Why loving your reasons = more success and motivation
16:00 – What to do if you feel unsure about your decision
18:00 – “Can I change my mind?” (Yes. Here’s when and how.)
21:30 – The difference between immaturity and growth
24:00 – Verbal commitments, coaching changes, and new info
27:15 – Final thoughts: how to stay grounded in your choice

Connect with Susan:
Check out the website: www.nxtvb.com
Follow on Instagram + TikTok: @hey.susank

Quick shoutout to our podcast sponsor University Athlete. The only volleyball-exclusive recruiting platform used by 95% of college coaches. It’s where athletes get seen, get evaluated, and get recruited. Plus it's free and only takes a couple of minutes to activate your profile. 

Click the link below to claim your free profile.

CLAIM YOUR FREE PROFILE HERE

If you decide you want to upgrade to the All-Access pass be sure to use the code ‘NXTVB30’ to save 30% on your yearly membership. 

Subscription boxes are all the rave (we get it, they are FUN!) and we’ve developed one for the recruiting process that comes with 1:1 support in our new Set for Success Membership!

Every Month as Member You Get to Choose from One of the Following for Support:

🖥️ 1:1 ADVISING CALL with either Sonja, Jessie or Susan from the NXTVB team.
🎥 HIGHLIGHT FILM professionally produced and done for you.
🗣️ OUR TARGETED TAKE with detailed feedback on one specific part of your process, so it's worth your time and effort!
😎 PLUS SEASONAL OFFER...

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
 03:00 – From athlete to scout: Michelle’s unique journey
 05:30 – Building visibility for athletes who often get overlooked
 08:45 – Content strategy: How she captures, edits, and posts so much
 12:00 – A day in the life at a tournament
 15:00 – What makes her write-ups different (and why coaches care)
 18:00 – How she stays energized and organized at 12-hour events
 21:00 – What athletes don’t realize about getting featured
 24:00 – Tips for athletes from smaller towns or low-profile clubs
 26:30 – Why Instagram bios matter more than you think
 28:00 – Should your recruiting profile be private? (Hint: no)
 31:00 – How to practice interview skills + what not to say
 35:00 – Warm-up mindset + how to stand out on the bench
 38:00 – No perfect path: Why everyone’s recruiting journey is different
 42:00 – The impact of female representation in volleyball media
 47:00 – How to support PrepDig and stay visible year-round

What You’ll Learn:

• What college coaches are really looking for
• Why having a volleyball Instagram is useless if it's private
• How to use your warm-ups, social media, and personality as recruiting tools
• Why storytelling—and not stats—is what separates great athletes
• The real behind-the-scenes life of a volleyball content creator

Connect with Michell on IG:  @prepdigca and @coachable247
Visit: www.prepdig.com

Connect with Susan:
Check out the website: www.nxtvb.com
Follow on Instagram + TikTok: @hey.susank

Quick shoutout to our podcast sponsor University Athlete. The only volleyball-exclusive recruiting platform used by 95% of college coaches. It’s where athletes get seen, get evaluated, and get recruited. Plus it's free and only takes a couple of minutes to activate your profile. 

Click the link below to claim your free profile.

CLAIM YOUR FREE PROFILE HERE

If you decide you want to upgrade to the All-Access pass be sure to use the code ‘NXTVB30’ to save 30% on your yearly membership. 

Subscription boxes are all the rave (we get it, they are FUN!) and we’ve developed one for the recruiting process that comes with 1:1 support in our new Set for Success Membership!

Every Month as Member You Get to Choose from One of the Following for Support:

🖥️ 1:1 ADVISING CALL with either Sonja, Jessie or Susan from the NXTVB team.
🎥 HIGHLIGHT FILM professionally produced and done for you.
🗣️ OUR TARGETED TAKE with detailed feedback on one specific part of your process, so it's worth your time and effort!
😎 PLUS SEASONAL OFFER...

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.

Connect with Susan:
Check out the website: www.nxtvb.com
Follow on Instagram + TikTok: @hey.susank

Quick shoutout to our podcast sponsor University Athlete. The only volleyball-exclusive recruiting platform used by 95% of college coaches. It’s where athletes get seen, get evaluated, and get recruited. Plus it's free and only takes a couple of minutes to activate your profile. 

Click the link below to claim your free profile.

CLAIM YOUR FREE PROFILE HERE

If you decide you want to upgrade to the All-Access pass be sure to use the code ‘NXTVB30’ to save 30% on your yearly membership. 

Subscription boxes are all the rave (we get it, they are FUN!) and we’ve developed one for the recruiting process that comes with 1:1 support in our new Set for Success Membership!

Every Month as Member You Get to Choose from One of the Following for Support:

🖥️ 1:1 ADVISING CALL with either Sonja, Jessie or Susan from the NXTVB team.
🎥 HIGHLIGHT FILM professionally produced and done for you.
🗣️ OUR TARGETED TAKE with detailed feedback on one specific part of your process, so it's worth your time and effort!
😎 PLUS SEASONAL OFFER...