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.heysusank.com
Follow on Instagram: @hey.susank

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.

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.heysusank.com
Follow on Instagram: @hey.susank

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.

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.heysusank.com
Follow on Instagram: @hey.susank

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.