The NXTVB Podcast is your go-to resource for the next generation of volleyball talent. Hosted by Susan Forbes, a former D1 athlete and recruiting expert, this show explores the evolving world of college recruiting, NIL deals, and what it really takes to succeed at the next level—on and off the court. Whether you're a top prospect, parent, or coach, you'll get real talk, expert insights, and behind-the-scenes guidance on how to navigate the volleyball journey with confidence and clarity. From scholarship strategy to navigating transfer rules, we’re talking about the future of the game and how to own your path within it.
51: Why His Athletes Choose Practice Every Day (Part 2)
What if practice was something your daughter actually wanted to show up for? In Part 2 of her sit-down with University of Nevada head coach Jason Borchin, Susan goes deep into the coaching philosophy and practice model Jason has spent years refining, first at Cal Poly and now at Nevada. This one is a masterclass in what a healthy, high-performing college volleyball environment can actually look like. Jason walks through how his team lifts for 30 to 40 minutes right before practice, why he ditched the traditional dynamic warmup and pepper drill in favor of letting his athletes self-direct their warmup, and why he refuses to run practices longer than two hours. He explains how giving athletes ownership over their own development, from what they choose to work on before practice, to what they stay after for, to what they eat, has become the center of his coaching philosophy. He also shares the simple challenge he gives every player: "Give me two days a week where you stay after 10 minutes and work on something." Susan and Jason then get into the concept of "enough-ness" and why celebration motivation is more sustainable than pushing yourself from a place of lack. Jason shares how becoming a dad, working alongside Cal Poly head coach Caroline Walters, and lots of self-reflection shaped the kind of coach he wants to be, and the kind of coach he would want his own kids to one day play for. He closes with what drew him to Nevada, from Lake Tahoe and ski mountains 15 minutes from campus, to state-of-the-art facilities, to a tight-knit community he can't wait to build a program around. If your daughter is trying to figure out what a healthy college volleyball environment actually looks like, this episode is a must-listen. Chapters 00:00 – Welcome back to Part 2 01:00 – Practice as a choice, not a chore 02:30 – Ditching pepper and the dynamic warmup 06:30 – The 2-hour practice cap and why every rep matters 11:00 – "Give me 10 minutes after practice" 17:00 – Enough-ness: celebration over lack motivation 19:00 – Why he trusts his athletes with their nutrition 23:00 – How becoming a dad changed his coaching 27:30 – What drew him to Nevada 33:30 – Vibe attracts your tribe About the Guest: Jason Borchin is the head coach of the University of Nevada Women's Volleyball program, named to the role in December 2025 after helping lead Cal Poly to a historic Cinderella run to the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16. Over nine seasons at Cal Poly, he served as recruiting coordinator and associate head coach, helping the Mustangs win back-to-back Big West titles and earn multiple NCAA Tournament appearances. Prior to Cal Poly, Jason coached at Notre Dame and Sacramento State, and he brings 18+ years of coaching experience across the intercollegiate, high school, and club levels. He and his wife Jessie (who advises athletes at NXTVB) have three young children. Connect with Jason: Nevada Wolf Pack Volleyball: @nevadavolleyball Coach page: Jason Borchin at Nevada Connect with Susan: Check out the website: www.nxtvb.com Follow on Instagram + TikTok: @hey.susank
50: The Right Kid Beats the Best Athlete
What actually separates the athletes who get offered from the ones who don't? For the 50th episode of the podcast, Susan sits down with a good friend and one of the most talked-about names in college volleyball right now: Coach Jason Borchin. Jason was the associate head coach and recruiting coordinator at Cal Poly during their Cinderella Sweet 16 run in 2025, and just weeks later, he was named the head coach at the University of Nevada. Jason takes us behind the scenes of the whirlwind that was Cal Poly's postseason: upsetting #5 BYU and #4 USC as an unseeded team, interviewing for the Nevada job the Monday after the tournament ended, and uprooting his family with three young kids in tow. He shares what made the Cal Poly team so magical, from a culture of celebration and authenticity to the philosophy that "the right kid beats the best athlete," and why letting players be fully themselves is what unlocks the confidence to win. The second half of the conversation is a masterclass in recruiting. Jason walks through what actually separates athletes at the finish line of a coach's target list, the "genuine interest hack" that gets him to invest more time watching a recruit, and why copy-paste emails get ignored while a personal, well-researched email can move an athlete up the board. He also shares what it looks like when an athlete is willing to wear her heart on her sleeve, and why that vulnerability is often the difference between an offer and a pass. If your daughter is on a college coach's radar (or trying to be), this episode is exactly what she needs to hear. Chapters 00:00 – Celebrating 50 episodes with Coach Jason Borchin 02:00 – The whirlwind from the Sweet 16 to the Nevada job 06:00 – Managing chaos, family, and the transfer portal 09:00 – What made Cal Poly's Cinderella team so special 13:00 – Confidence, celebration, and letting kids be themselves 17:00 – Being underestimated as a mid-major program 19:00 – "Cal Poly kids": the right kid over the best athlete 23:00 – Building the same culture at Nevada 26:00 – What genuine interest looks like on a recruiting call 33:00 – Why copy-paste emails get ignored About the Guest: Jason Borchin is the head coach of the University of Nevada Women's Volleyball program, named to the role in December 2025 after helping lead Cal Poly to a historic Cinderella run to the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16. Over nine seasons at Cal Poly, he served as recruiting coordinator and associate head coach, helping the Mustangs win back-to-back Big West titles and earn multiple NCAA Tournament appearances. Prior to Cal Poly, Jason coached at Notre Dame and Sacramento State, and he brings 18+ years of coaching experience across the intercollegiate, high school, and club levels. He and his wife Jessie (who advises athletes at NXTVB) have three young children. Connect with Jason: Nevada Wolf Pack Volleyball: @nevadavolleyball Coach page: Jason Borchin at Nevada Connect with Susan: Check out the website: www.nxtvb.com Follow on Instagram + TikTok: @hey.susank
49: How to Help Your Athlete Bounce Back From a Bad Day
What's the first thing you should say when your daughter comes home from a camp, tryout, or tournament totally deflated? In this episode, Susan shares a simple but powerful tool she learned in her life coaching certification called the Ratings Game. It's a set of scaled questions parents and coaches can use to help an athlete process a tough day without spiraling into "I'm not good enough" thinking. Susan walks through exactly how the tool works, from asking your daughter to rate her performance from 1 to 10, to the crucial follow-up question of "Why isn't it a 1?" that gently gets her focused on what she actually did well. She also shares how to handle the "I don't know" answer, how to reflect her thinking back to her, and a reframe on motivation she calls "gas car vs. electric car," why celebration motivation is faster and more sustainable than being hard on yourself. If you're holding space for an athlete chasing a big goal, this episode gives you a script you can use the very next time she comes to you upset. Chapters 00:00 – Behind the scenes at Girls Junior Nationals 02:00 – Advisor vs. recruiter (and what parents often misunderstand) 05:00 – Why college coach interviews matter 07:30 – Doing scary things and building the podcast 11:00 – Where this episode's tool comes from 13:00 – Susan's life coaching certification story 19:00 – Introducing the Ratings Game 20:00 – How to ask the 1-to-10 question 22:00 – The "Why isn't it a 1?" follow-up 23:00 – What to do when she says "I don't know" 25:00 – Celebration motivation vs. lack motivation 28:00 – What would have made it a 10? 29:30 – Reflecting her thinking back to her 31:00 – Focusing on what she can control Follow Coach Desi on Instagram: @thisiscoachdesi Connect with Susan: Check out the website: www.nxtvb.com Follow on Instagram + TikTok: @hey.susank
48: Driver or Victim? Taking Ownership of Your Recruiting Process
Are you actively choosing your recruiting process, or quietly letting it happen to you? In this episode, Susan builds on the last two conversations and gets into one of the biggest reasons recruiting timelines look so different from athlete to athlete: different goals create different timelines. She walks through a spectrum she sees almost every athlete fall somewhere on, from the very specific athlete who knows exactly what she wants to the more open-minded athlete who's willing to explore, and explains why neither path is right or wrong, just different. Susan shares her own story of holding out for a Top 25 or Pac-10 program as a 16-year-old recruit, why she sat on offers from schools that didn't match her vision, and what made the wait worth it. She also tells the story of a former club athlete who chose to commit to the first offer she received from her dream conference, and how having a little specificity with an open mind made for one of the smoothest recruiting processes Susan has seen. She closes with a powerful reframe: in your recruiting process, you are the driver, not the victim. If you're not getting interest from the schools you want, you get to decide whether to double down, adjust your list, or become the athlete who's good enough for the goal. Leaning into desire rather than fear is what changes everything. Chapters 00:00 – Why timelines feel like a verdict (and shouldn't) 01:30 – The recruiting spectrum: specific vs. open-minded 03:00 – Why clarity moves you forward faster 04:00 – Specific athletes, smaller pools, longer timelines 05:30 – Susan's recruiting story: holding out for the Pac-10 08:00 – When backup offers become teachers 09:30 – Why two athletes' timelines should never match 11:30 – The West Coast Conference athlete who said yes to the first offer 13:30 – Choosing your process instead of being a victim to it 15:00 – Leaning into desire over fear Connect with Susan: Check out the website: www.nxtvb.com Follow on Instagram + TikTok: @hey.susank
47: Stop Comparing, Start Driving Your Own Recruiting Journey
What if your recruiting journey was never supposed to look like anyone else's? In this episode, Susan continues the post-June 15th conversation with one of her favorite analogies for recruiting: the road trip. She walks through what would happen if 100 families started in San Francisco with the same goal of getting to New York City, and why none of them would arrive in the same way, on the same day, or in the same vehicle. She explains why recruiting is actually even more unpredictable than that, since athletes aren't even starting from the same place, driving the same car, or trying to reach the same destination. Susan digs into the comparison trap that's stealing confidence from so many families, why looking at your bestie's journey is still just a snapshot you can't fully see, and how the spectrum between very specific and very open-minded athletes creates very different timelines (and why neither is wrong). She closes with a powerful reminder that every successful recruiting story has one thing in common: the athlete kept moving. If you've been quietly comparing yourself to teammates, classmates, or strangers on social media, this episode is the windshield-shift you need. Chapters 00:00 – Borrowing belief when you can't quite believe it yourself 02:30 – Every recruiting journey is unique (and why that's hard to accept) 04:30 – The road trip analogy: 100 families, same destination 07:00 – Different vehicles, routes, and obstacles 08:00 – Why recruiting is more like West Coast to East Coast 09:30 – The comparison trap (even with your bestie) 11:30 – Specific vs. open-minded athletes 13:00 – The goal isn't to arrive first 14:00 – Stop looking out the side windows 15:00 – Choosing the right kind of recruiting support Connect with Susan: Check out the website: www.nxtvb.com Follow on Instagram + TikTok: @hey.susank
46: What June 15th Actually Reveals (and What It Doesn't)
What if June 15th wasn't a verdict, but a flashlight? In this follow-up to last week's episode, Susan goes deeper on what June 15th actually reveals and how athletes and families can make sense of what they saw (or didn't see) once the day passed. Through two memorable analogies, a tunnel and a big box with multiple doors, she paints a clear picture of what's actually happening behind the scenes of the recruiting process and why most athletes are still in the middle of their journey, not at the end. Susan walks through why the days before June 15th feel like walking through a dark tunnel, sharing a personal story about taking her three young sons through an abandoned train tunnel in Truckee. She explains how June 15th is essentially the lights coming on in the middle of that tunnel, finally giving families clarity on how far they've come, what's ahead, and what direction to go next. She also calls out the social media trap that makes a small percentage of athletes feel like the majority, and offers a "Bill Nye, not Judge Judy" approach to assessing what the day actually revealed. If June 15th didn't unfold the way your family hoped, or you're trying to figure out what to do with the information you now have, this episode will help you reset, reassess, and move forward with clarity. Chapters 00:00 – The power of being a little delusional 03:00 – Validating the post-June 15th emotional roller coaster 05:30 – June 15th is just information 07:30 – Recruiting before June 15th: walking through the dark 10:00 – The Truckee tunnel story 13:30 – When the lights come on 17:00 – Doors, mirages, and the rare easy paths 19:00 – Why social media spotlights the few 22:00 – Bill Nye vs. Judge Judy: assess, don't panic 24:30 – Why recruiting doesn't end on June 15th Click HERE for the link to NXTVB Support Connect with Susan: Check out the website: www.nxtvb.com Follow on Instagram + TikTok: @hey.susank
45: Why June 15th Doesn't Decide Your Recruiting Future
What if June 15th wasn't a verdict on your future, but just one date on a much longer calendar? With June 15th approaching, Susan goes solo to reframe how athletes and families are thinking about the most hyped-up day in volleyball recruiting. She breaks down what June 15th actually is (and isn't), why most athletes won't have a dramatic recruiting breakthrough on that single day, and the silent stories athletes start telling themselves when the day doesn't unfold the way they imagined. Drawing on a concept from her mentor Brooke Castillo, Susan walks through how to make decisions ahead of time about who you want to be, how you want to show up, and what you'll focus on whether things go well or not. She also offers a powerful reframe for any athlete who's been measuring her worth by outcomes instead of actions, and shares the drops-in-a-bucket framework that reminds you why your success in this process is inevitable as long as you don't give up. If June 15th has been weighing on your family, this episode is the deep breath you didn't know you needed before opening day. Chapters 00:00 – What June 15th actually is 02:00 – June 15th is a day, not a verdict 03:30 – The stories we let June 15th mean about us 04:30 – Making decisions ahead of time 06:00 – Disappointment isn't defeat 07:00 – You didn't fail, you just guessed wrong 08:00 – Evaluating yourself by actions, not outcomes 09:30 – The small wins worth celebrating 11:00 – Drops in a bucket: why success is inevitable 13:30 – What to remember if June 15th doesn't go your way Connect with Susan: Check out the website: www.nxtvb.com Follow on Instagram + TikTok: @hey.susank
44: The Truth About Recruiting Calls, Fit, and Chasing D1 (Part 2)
What separates a recruiting call that lands an offer from one that gets quietly forgotten? In this episode, Susan welcomes back Ben and Nancy Somera, the married coaching duo leading programs at Wesleyan University (Division III) and Fairfield University (Division I). This time, they go deeper into what's actually happening behind the scenes of the recruiting process, from the chase for the "D1 label" to the phone calls that often decide who gets an offer. Ben and Nancy break down what real fit looks like, why "going D1" shouldn't be the driving force behind any recruit's decision, and what athletes can learn from the difference between a winning program and a losing one. They walk through the recruiting calls coaches actually want to have (and the questions that waste everyone's time), the personality cues they pick up on, how their timelines differ at the D1 and D3 levels, the rushed-offer culture around June 15th, and what the new roster limits and fifth-year eligibility rules really mean for the next few recruiting classes. If you're heading into June 15th, prepping for your first call with a college coach, or trying to figure out if you're chasing the right schools, this conversation is a must. About the Guests: Ben and Nancy Somera bring a unique perspective to the college volleyball world, having coached together at the Division I level before now leading successful programs at different divisions in Connecticut. Nancy is the head coach at Fairfield University, where she has quickly built one of the top mid-major programs in the country with multiple MAAC Championships and NCAA Tournament appearances. Ben is the head coach at Wesleyan University, where he has turned the Cardinals into a national Division III contender with multiple NESCAC titles and consistent NCAA Tournament success. Together, the Someras have decades of coaching experience across Division I and Division III volleyball and are widely respected for their ability to build winning cultures, develop athletes, and navigate the evolving recruiting landscape. Their perspective on talent overlap between divisions, recruiting, and what truly creates a great college experience makes for an insightful and timely conversation for athletes and families alike. Chapters 00:00 – Why winning culture matters 05:00 – PB&J: passion, bravery, and joy 08:30 – The Power 4 chase vs. finding real fit 13:00 – Inside the recruiting call 17:30 – Doing your homework before you dial 19:00 – Personality, presence, and being yourself 23:30 – D1 vs. D3 recruiting timelines 26:00 – Qualifying coach interest before you wait 28:30 – June 15th, rushed offers, and the camp economy 33:00 – Roster limits and the fifth-year shift Connect with Ben and Nancy: Instagram: Wesleyan University Volleyball Website: Wesleyan University Volleyball Instagram: Fairfield Volleyball Website: Fairfield Volleyball Connect with Susan: Check out the website: www.nxtvb.com Follow on Instagram + TikTok: @hey.susank
43: D1 vs D3 Volleyball, A Coaching Couple's Honest Take (Part 1)
What if everything you've been told about the gap between D1 and D3 volleyball is missing the bigger picture? In this episode, Susan sits down with Ben and Nancy Somera, a married coaching duo leading programs at two different division levels. Ben is the head coach at Wesleyan University (Division III), and Nancy is the head coach at Fairfield University (Division I). Together, they offer a rare side-by-side look at what coaching, recruiting, and competing actually look like at each level. Ben and Nancy break down the real differences (and surprising similarities) between D1 and D3 volleyball, from season length and summer commitments to practice intensity, major restrictions, and the perceived talent gap between divisions. They also share how they build winning cultures without burning their athletes out, where their recruiting actually overlaps, and why finding a coach who supports your full college experience may matter more than the division letter on the jersey. If you've ever assumed D1 and D3 are worlds apart, this episode will give you a more honest, behind-the-scenes look at how recruiting really works. About the Guests: Ben and Nancy Somera bring a unique perspective to the college volleyball world, having coached together at the Division I level before now leading successful programs at different divisions in Connecticut. Nancy is the head coach at Fairfield University, where she has quickly built one of the top mid-major programs in the country with multiple MAAC Championships and NCAA Tournament appearances. Ben is the head coach at Wesleyan University, where he has turned the Cardinals into a national Division III contender with multiple NESCAC titles and consistent NCAA Tournament success. Together, the Someras have decades of coaching experience across Division I and Division III volleyball and are widely respected for their ability to build winning cultures, develop athletes, and navigate the evolving recruiting landscape. Their perspective on talent overlap between divisions, recruiting, and what truly creates a great college experience makes for an insightful and timely conversation for athletes and families alike. Chapters 00:00 – Meeting Ben & Nancy 03:30 – Daily life as D1 vs. D3 head coaches 08:00 – Time commitment and season length 13:00 – Internships, summers, and balance 18:00 – Why burned-out athletes don't perform 24:00 – The athletes who thrive in both gyms 29:00 – Where D1 and D3 recruiting overlaps 33:30 – Strength, conditioning, and the fifth-year shift 37:00 – Choosing nursing, pre-med, and other rigorous majors 44:00 – Building a winning culture Connect with Ben and Nancy: Instagram: Wesleyan University Volleyball Website: Wesleyan University Volleyball Instagram: Fairfield Volleyball Website: Fairfield Volleyball Connect with Susan: Check out the website: www.nxtvb.com Follow on Instagram + TikTok: @hey.susank
42: D2 to Pro Athlete - There's More Than One Way
What if the “best” recruiting path isn’t the one everyone else is chasing? In this episode, Susan sits down with professional volleyball player Kenzie Foley to talk about her journey from Division II volleyball to playing professionally overseas in Germany. Kenzie shares why she chose the Division II route over lower-level Division I opportunities, how she found the right fit during recruiting, and why focusing on growth and development mattered more to her than labels. They also discuss misconceptions around the different college divisions, balancing academics and athletics, and the importance of choosing a path that aligns with your goals. Kenzie also opens up about transitioning to the professional level, adapting to the overseas game, and the mindset that helped her continue proving herself at every stage of her career. If you’ve ever questioned whether there’s only one “right” path in recruiting, this episode is a reminder that success can look a lot of different ways. About the Guest: Kenzie Foley is a professional volleyball player whose journey has been anything but linear. What once felt like rejection became redirection when her indoor collegiate volleyball career at St. Cloud State University ended sooner than expected. Instead of walking away from the sport, Kenzie took a leap of faith into beach volleyball at the University of Central Arkansas, a decision that unexpectedly led her back to the indoor game and ultimately to the start of her professional career in Germany’s Bundesliga. Through every setback, injury, and change of plans, Kenzie has learned that difficult moments often lead to the opportunities we are meant for all along. Her story is a reminder that success doesn’t always happen the way we imagine, but sometimes unfolds even better. Chapters 00:00 – Kenzie’s volleyball journey 03:30 – Why she chose Division II 06:00 – Getting overlooked in recruiting 08:00 – Her path to playing professionally 10:00 – Confidence and proving yourself 13:00 – Her recruiting experience 16:00 – What makes Division II unique 20:00 – Academics, facilities, and balance 23:30 – Earning two college degrees 29:00 – Transitioning to pro volleyball 32:00 – Differences at the pro level 36:00 – Life playing overseas 41:00 – Finding the right fit 47:00 – Final advice for athletes Connect with Kenzie: Instagram: @kenziefoley08 Tik Tok: @kenziefoley08 Connect with Susan: Check out the website: www.nxtvb.com Follow on Instagram + TikTok: @hey.susank
41: What the 5-Year Eligibility Rule Means for Volleyball Recruiting
What could happen to volleyball recruiting if college athletes are given five full years of eligibility? In this episode, Susan breaks down the NCAA’s proposed “5 years to play 5” rule and shares seven major ripple effects she believes could reshape the future of volleyball recruiting. From fewer roster spots at top programs to the growing importance of Division III and junior college opportunities, Susan walks through how the recruiting landscape could become more competitive and more strategic for families navigating the process. She also explains how roster limits, the transfer portal, international recruiting, and the rise of older, more experienced college athletes may impact recruiting timelines and opportunities for future classes. This episode is not meant to create fear or panic, but instead help families think ahead, better understand the bigger picture, and make more informed recruiting decisions moving forward. Chapters 00:00 – Understanding the proposed 5-year rule 01:45 – Fewer roster spots at top programs 08:15 – The talent trickle-down effect 11:30 – Why high academic D3s may benefit 19:30 – The growing value of junior college 23:00 – A higher level of college volleyball 26:30 – How the transfer portal may evolve 28:30 – The future of the student-athlete model 32:30 – International recruiting implications 34:30 – Final thoughts on the future of recruiting Connect with Susan: Check out the website: www.nxtvb.com Follow on Instagram + TikTok: @hey.susank
Bonus Episode: June 15th Prep Club Preview
June 15th is a major milestone in volleyball recruiting, but most athletes spend years preparing physically without ever learning how to confidently handle conversations with college coaches. In this bonus episode, Susan gives families a behind-the-scenes look inside her June 15th Prep Club, a guided experience designed to help athletes feel calm, prepared, and confident going into recruiting conversations. You’ll hear part of a private Prep Club podcast episode featuring certified life coach Desi McPhail and former Division I athlete Jesse Borkin. Together, they break down why telling your story matters, how athletes can speak confidently about themselves without feeling awkward, and what coaches are actually looking for during recruiting calls. They also discuss common first-call questions, how to prepare thoughtful responses, and why confidence and self-awareness can help athletes stand out in the recruiting process. If your athlete is part of the class of 2028 and preparing for June 15th, this episode will help you better understand how to approach the process with more clarity and confidence. ENROLL IN THE JUNE 15th PREP CLUB HERE Chapters 00:00 – Why June 15th feels so important 01:15 – What the Prep Club is designed to do 02:30 – Why telling your story matters 04:30 – Meet Jesse and Desi 07:00 – What coaches notice during recruiting calls 08:45 – The idea behind an elevator pitch 10:00 – Common first-call questions 12:00 – How to answer confidently 14:00 – Giving coaches insight into who you are 15:45 – Confidence vs. sounding cocky 17:15 – Final thoughts on the Prep Club Connect with Susan: Check out the website: www.nxtvb.com Follow on Instagram + TikTok: @hey.susank
40: How the Recruiting Process Actually Works from a Coach’s Perspective (Part 2)
What does recruiting actually look like from the moment a coach sees your name to a final decision? In Part 2, Susan continues her conversation with Chad Koenegstein and Andrew Brown, breaking down how the Division III recruiting process works behind the scenes. They walk through the recruiting funnel, from crowded inboxes to narrowing down a class, and explain how coaches evaluate athletes, the role of visits, and why timing matters. You’ll also hear what athletes are doing well, what makes coaches’ jobs harder, and how being proactive with camps can help you stand out. Chad Koenegstein is the head coach at UC Santa Cruz and a former Colorado College assistant who helped lead three NCAA Tournament teams and coached eight All-Americans. Andrew Brown is the head coach at NYU, where he has built one of the top Division III programs with multiple NCAA Tournament runs and back-to-back Final Four appearances. Chapters 00:00 – Where recruiting starts: the inbox 01:00 – How many athletes coaches evaluate 03:00 – Narrowing down the recruiting funnel 05:00 – What makes athletes stand out 07:00 – The role of film, camps, and communication 09:00 – Why transparency matters in recruiting 10:30 – What athletes are doing right 12:00 – The role of parents in the process 14:00 – How to approach camps strategically 16:00 – Why camp experience matters 18:00 – Evaluating talent across divisions 20:00 – The overlap between D1, D2, and D3 23:00 – What coaches look for in the right fit Book Mentioned: Kids These Days: Effective Strategies for Coaching Gen Z and Beyond Connect with Andrew: Website: https://gonyuathletics.com/sports/womens-volleyball Instagram: @nyuwomensvolley Connect with Chad Website: https://goslugs.com/sports/womens-volleyball Instagram: @ucsc_wvb Connect with Susan: Check out the website: www.nxtvb.com Follow on Instagram + TikTok: @hey.susank
39: Inside Division III Recruiting and What Coaches Are Really Looking For (Part 1)
What does the recruiting process actually look like from a Division III coach’s perspective? In Part 1 of this conversation, Susan sits down with Chad Koenegstein, Head Coach (UC Santa Cruz), and Andrew Brown, Head Coach (NYU), to talk about their journeys into coaching and what makes the Division III experience unique. They share how recruiting has evolved, including the impact of technology and increased access to information. You’ll hear why recruiting feels more overwhelming than ever for both athletes and coaches, and how today’s process requires more ownership from athletes. Chad and Andrew also give insight into the collaborative nature of Division III recruiting, how coaches support each other behind the scenes, and why relationships matter. If you’re trying to better understand recruiting and navigate it with more clarity, this episode will give you a strong foundation. Chapters 00:00 – Meet Chad and Andrew 03:00 – Coaching backgrounds and career paths 07:00 – Why relationships and reputation matter in recruiting 09:30 – How recruiting has changed over time 12:00 – The role of technology in recruiting 15:30 – Why Division III is more collaborative 18:00 – How coaches support each other behind the scenes 22:00 – Why recruiting feels more overwhelming than ever 25:00 – The importance of ownership in the recruiting process 27:30 – Why athletes need to be proactive 30:00 – Using technology and AI in recruiting Connect with Andrew: Website: https://gonyuathletics.com/sports/womens-volleyball Instagram: @nyuwomensvolley Connect with Chad Website: https://goslugs.com/sports/womens-volleyball Instagram: @ucsc_wvb Connect with Susan: Check out the website: www.nxtvb.com Follow on Instagram + TikTok: @hey.susank
38: You Don't Need the Whole Plan to Get Recruited
If you’ve been trying to approach recruiting like a step-by-step checklist, this episode will challenge the way you think about the process. In this episode, Susan shares a powerful analogy that reframes recruiting as a road trip instead of a fixed plan. Athletes and families often want the exact steps and a guaranteed path, but in reality, recruiting is about direction, not perfection. Susan breaks down why trying to map out every step can actually create more stress and confusion, and how focusing on the next move builds momentum and clarity over time. She also explains the role of a “copilot” in the recruiting process, and how the right guidance can make the journey smoother without taking away ownership from the athlete. For parents, this episode offers a helpful shift in perspective on how to best support your athlete without becoming the backseat driver, and why your role matters more than you think. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or stuck in the recruiting process, this episode will help you simplify your approach, build momentum, and keep moving forward. Chapters 00:00 – Intro 00:45 – Recruiting isn’t a step-by-step process 01:45 – Why planning everything creates stress 02:30 – Direction over perfection 03:45 – Focus on the next step 04:15 – The role of a recruiting guide 05:45 – Action creates clarity 07:00 – What this means for athletes 08:00 – What this means for parents 09:30 – Why outside support helps 11:00 – Parents as the fuel, not the driver 12:30 – What actually helps families most 13:30 – Final takeaway: keep moving Connect with Susan: Check out the website: www.nxtvb.com Follow on Instagram + TikTok: @hey.susank
37: Keegan Cook from Minnesota Volleyball - Recruiting Insights for the class of 2028 and Rising Prospects (Part 2)
What if waiting in the recruiting process could actually create more opportunities? In Part 2 of this conversation, Susan continues her discussion with Keegan Cook, head coach at the University of Minnesota, to break down how timing impacts recruiting opportunities for the class of 2028 and rising prospects. Keegan explains why recruiting can feel inconsistent and how factors like the transfer portal, international athletes, and roster needs influence when opportunities open up. He shares why uncommitted athletes can become more valuable later in the process and why waiting may actually work in your favor. They also discuss how scholarship structures have evolved, why programs hold spots for the right player, and what happens after an offer is extended. If you’re feeling pressure to commit early, this episode will help you approach decisions with more clarity and confidence. Guest: Keegan Cook Keegan Cook is the head coach of the University of Minnesota volleyball program and one of the most respected voices in the college game when it comes to recruiting and player development. Since taking over in 2022, he’s led the Gophers to three straight NCAA Tournament appearances, including a Sweet 16 run, while earning AVCA Region Coach of the Year honors. Prior to Minnesota, Cook built a powerhouse at the University of Washington with multiple Pac-12 titles, a Final Four appearance, and consistent national success. With experience across club, mid-major, and Power 5 levels, as well as involvement with USA Volleyball, he brings a well-rounded perspective on how the recruiting process works and how it’s evolving for today’s athletes and families. Chapters 00:00 – Why timing matters in recruiting 01:00 – When uncommitted athletes gain value 03:00 – The “hot and cold” recruiting cycle 05:00 – Transfer portal and shifting opportunities 07:30 – Why waiting can open more doors 10:00 – Scholarship trends and roster strategy 12:30 – Rethinking the scarcity mindset 15:00 – Changes in scholarship structure 17:00 – The value of academics in recruiting 18:30 – What happens after an offer 21:00 – Communication after an offer 23:00 – Making decisions with clarity 24:30 – The myth of the perfect fit 26:00 – Final advice and future outlook Connect with Keegan: Instagram: @gophervb Connect with Susan: Check out the website: www.nxtvb.com Follow on Instagram + TikTok: @hey.susank
36: Keegan Cook from Minnesota Volleyball Chats June 15th and Recruiting Timelines (Part 1)
If you’ve ever felt like the recruiting process suddenly speeds up and everything happens at once, this episode will help you understand why. In Part 1 of this conversation, Susan sits down with Keegan Cook, head coach at the University of Minnesota, to talk through how the current recruiting timeline actually works and what’s changed over the years. They break down the June 15th rule, why communication is so limited before that date, and why everything can feel so overwhelming once it opens up. Keegan shares what recruiting looked like before these rule changes, how the process has evolved, and what college coaches are navigating behind the scenes. You’ll also learn why camps have become such a big part of recruiting and how families can better understand what’s happening during this phase. If you’re trying to make sense of June 15th and the overall recruiting timeline, this episode will give you important context and clarity. Guest: Keegan Cook Keegan Cook is the head coach of the University of Minnesota volleyball program and one of the most respected voices in the college game when it comes to recruiting and player development. Since taking over in 2022, he’s led the Gophers to three straight NCAA Tournament appearances, including a Sweet 16 run, while earning AVCA Region Coach of the Year honors. Prior to Minnesota, Cook built a powerhouse at the University of Washington with multiple Pac-12 titles, a Final Four appearance, and consistent national success. With experience across club, mid-major, and Power 5 levels, as well as involvement with USA Volleyball, he brings a well-rounded perspective on how the recruiting process works and how it’s evolving for today’s athletes and families. Chapters 00:00 – Intro and why recruiting feels overwhelming right now 01:30 – Meet Keegan Cook and his perspective on recruiting 04:00 – The biggest issue: limited communication before June 15th 08:30 – How recruiting used to work vs. now 12:30 – Why June 15th changed everything 16:00 – The “floodgates” effect and rising pressure on athletes 19:00 – Why camps have become such a big part of recruiting 22:00 – The gap between June 15th and official visits 24:00 – How families are trying to read interest without communication 26:00 – Why recruiting feels rushed and exhausting Connect with Keegan: Instagram: @gophervb Connect with Susan: Check out the website: www.nxtvb.com Follow on Instagram + TikTok: @hey.susank
35: Understanding University Athlete: What Evaluations Actually Mean (Part 2)
What does it actually mean when you see an “evaluation” on your University Athlete profile? In Part 2 of Susan’s conversation with Corie Murphy from University Athlete, they break down one of the most misunderstood parts of the platform: coach evaluations. Athletes often assume an evaluation means strong recruiting interest, but the reality is more nuanced. Corie explains how college coaches use tags, ratings, notes, and internal evaluations to organize their recruiting process. Susan and Corie also discuss what athletes should actually pay attention to on their profile, how coaches track prospects over time, and why consistent engagement matters more than a single data point. If you’ve ever wondered what those numbers and notifications really mean, this episode will give you a clearer picture of how coaches use University Athlete in recruiting. Guest: Corie Murphy Corie Murphy is the Director of Operations at University Athlete (UA), a platform used by college coaches across the country to organize and evaluate athletes in the recruiting process. A former collegiate volleyball player at Eastern Washington and assistant coach at the University of Idaho, Corie has spent more than two decades working at the intersection of technology and college athletics. Through her work with University Athlete, she helps develop tools that allow college coaches to track prospects, manage evaluations, and recruit more efficiently throughout the year. Chapters 00:00 – What a University Athlete “evaluation” actually is 01:00 – The different tools coaches use to evaluate players 02:00 – How recruiting tags work behind the scenes 03:00 – Ratings, notes, and internal evaluations 04:30 – Why athletes see evaluation activity 06:00 – Can coaches see each other’s notes? 07:00 – Why an evaluation doesn’t always mean recruiting interest 08:30 – What patterns athletes should actually look for 10:00 – What makes a helpful athlete profile 11:30 – The importance of accurate contact information 13:00 – New AI matching features coming to UA 15:00 – How clubs may use UA in the future 20:00 – Do Power 4 coaches use UA? 22:00 – What to do if a coach says no 24:30 – The one thing every athlete should do on their UA profile Connect with Corie: Website: www.universityathlete.com Instagram: @universityathlete Connect with Susan: Check out the website: www.nxtvb.com Follow on Instagram + TikTok: @hey.susank
34: Clearing the Air on University Athlete: How College Coaches Use It (Part 1)
If you’ve ever wondered why college coaches spend so much time on their phones at volleyball tournaments, this episode will help you understand what they’re doing. In Part 1, Susan sits down with Corie Murphy from University Athlete (UA) to talk about how the platform works and why it has become an essential tool in college volleyball recruiting. Corie shares the origin of UA and explains how it evolved from a simple roster tool into the system many coaches rely on year-round. You’ll learn how coaches use it at tournaments, how they build recruiting schedules, and why athletes don’t need to send court times anymore. If you’re trying to make recruiting easier and stand out, understanding platforms like UA can give you a real advantage. Guest: Corie Murphy Corie Murphy is the Director of Operations at University Athlete (UA), a platform used by college coaches across the country to organize and evaluate athletes in the recruiting process. A former collegiate volleyball player at Eastern Washington and former assistant coach at the University of Idaho, Corie has spent more than two decades working at the intersection of technology and college athletics. Through her work with University Athlete, she helps develop tools that allow college coaches to track prospects, manage evaluations, and recruit more efficiently throughout the year. Chapters 01:00 – How UA started and why it was created 03:00 – The technology that changed recruiting at tournaments 05:30 – How college coaches used to recruit before UA 07:00 – What University Athlete actually is 08:30 – How coaches organize recruiting using the platform 10:00 – How tournament packets work 11:30 – Why college coaches are always on their phones at events 12:30 – Why athletes don’t need to email court times 14:00 – How coaches track recruits over time 15:30 – Free athlete profiles and how the database works 18:00 – What athletes should include on their UA profile 21:00 – What the upgraded UA profile shows athletes 23:30 – Messaging tools and college matching features 26:00 – How athletes can use UA strategically in recruiting Connect with Corie: Website: www.universityathlete.com Instagram: @universityathlete Connect with Susan: Check out the website: www.nxtvb.com Follow on Instagram + TikTok: @hey.susank
33: Planning on Going to Camps This Summer? Listen to This Before You Sign Up
Join Susan for a valuable taste of a lesson you get inside the Volleyball Recruiting School membership. College volleyball camps can play a role in the recruiting process, but many families sign up for them without fully understanding how coaches actually use them. In this episode, Susan shares a sneak peek from one of the lessons inside Volleyball Recruiting School, where she breaks down how to think strategically about camps. Rather than treating camps as something you simply “have to do,” Susan explains how they fit into the bigger recruiting picture and why being intentional about where you spend your time and money matters. You’ll learn the different types of volleyball camps, how coaches view them from the recruiting side, and the key questions families should ask before signing up. Susan also walks through how camps can help athletes build connections with programs, gain clarity about potential schools, and move forward in the recruiting process when used strategically. If camps are part of your recruiting plan this year, this episode will help you think about them in a smarter and more informed way. Chapters 00:00 – A sneak peek inside Volleyball Recruiting School 01:00 – Why families struggle to plan their camp strategy 02:00 – The role camps play in the recruiting process 03:30 – Why you don’t need camps to get recruited 05:00 – How camps can provide clarity and exposure 06:30 – Understanding the recruiting “funnel” 08:00 – The three main types of volleyball camps 09:00 – Camps hosted at club programs 09:45 – College camps hosted on campus 10:45 – Prospect camps vs. general camps 11:15 – Showcase style camps and evaluations 11:45 – Why strategy matters when choosing camps Connect with Susan: Check out the website: www.nxtvb.com Follow on Instagram + TikTok: @hey.susank
