What do college coaches really talk about when they’re evaluating athletes? What frustrates them? What impresses them? And what actually makes a recruit stand out?

In Part 1 of this rare, behind-the-scenes conversation, Susan brings together Kevin, Todd, and Jessie — three experienced college coaches with insight from both the women’s and men’s volleyball world.

They share the honest, unfiltered truths most families never hear: why communication matters more than talent, why athletes often misunderstand visibility, what coaches actually notice first, and how confidence or doubt shows up long before an athlete steps on the court.

If your athlete is preparing for June 15, navigating club season, or trying to get on a coach’s radar, this episode will give you clarity you can’t get anywhere else.

Chapters

00:00 – Welcome back + intro to Part 1

01:30 – Meet Kevin, Todd, and Jessie

04:00 – How each coach ended up in college volleyball

06:30 – Men’s vs women’s recruiting: what’s actually different

08:00 – What coaches notice first in a recruit (and it’s not stats)

10:30 – Are athletes really “overlooked"? Coaches tell the truth

13:00 – Why athletes wait for validation — and why that hurts recruiting

15:30 – Club volleyball changes that impact recruiting

18:00 – What coaches wish every family understood

20:45 – Confidence, identity, and how athletes hold themselves back

23:30 – Social media: helpful tool or misguided distraction?

26:00 – Early red flags coaches pick up on

29:00 – Closing thoughts + preview of Part 2

🚀 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.

Learn more here: https://nxtvb.com/rr-launch

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Connect with Susan:
Check out the website: www.nxtvb.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 ...

In Part 2 of Susan’s deep-dive with national champion coaches Kim Cherniss and Danny Scott, they unpack the realities of D2 scholarships, the modern transfer landscape, and why so many athletes are finding their best fit outside of Division I.

Kim and Danny explain how scholarship budgets actually work, what families often misunderstand about financial packages, and why public vs. private school cost matters more than division. They also talk openly about the transfer portal, why D1-to-D2 transfers are on the rise, and how athletes can build a college experience that balances academics, athletics, and life.

If you’re a parent trying to understand scholarships — or an athlete exploring where you’ll thrive on and off the court — this episode gives practical clarity you won’t find anywhere else.

Chapters

00:00 – Why D1 athletes transfer to D2 and thrive

03:00 – How to evaluate whether a school is the right fit

06:00 – The transfer portal’s impact on recruiting

08:30 – Why “sticking it out” still matters

10:00 – How D2 scholarship budgets really work

13:00 – Public vs. private schools: true cost comparison

15:30 – Life balance: D2 as the “middle ground” athletes love

18:00 – Parents: how to support without overpowering

21:00 – The importance of athlete-led communication

23:00 – “You’re the shopper” mindset shift

25:30 – Practical advice for managing scholarship conversations

28:00 – Quickfire Q&A: emails, social media, showcases & more

32:00 – Final takeaways on building the best college experience

🚀 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.

Learn more here: https://nxtvb.com/rr-launch

Connect with Susan:
Check out the website: www.nxtvb.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.

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

🚀 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.

Learn more here: https://nxtvb.com/rr-launch

Connect with Susan:
Check out the website: www.nxtvb.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.

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.

Learn more here: https://nxtvb.com/rr-launch

Connect with Susan:
Check out the website: www.nxtvb.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.

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.

Learn more here: https://nxtvb.com/rr-launch

Connect with Susan:
Check out the website: www.nxtvb.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.

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.

Learn more here: https://nxtvb.com/rr-launch

Connect with Susan:
Check out the website: www.nxtvb.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.

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.

Learn more here: https://nxtvb.com/rr-launch

Connect with Susan:
Check out the website: www.nxtvb.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.

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
02:00 – The hidden benefits of being a D1 athlete
04:30 – What athletes and families often overlook
06:00 – Season length: D1 vs D2, D3, NAIA, JUCO
09:00 – The reality of time commitments and “voluntary” activities
11:30 – Academic balance and course scheduling during season
13:45 – Who thrives at D1 vs who may prefer D2/D3
16:00 – Power 4 conferences explained (and why it’s no longer Power 5)
18:30 – Why Top 50 programs matter as much as conference labels
21:00 – Mid-majors and realistic recruiting targets
23:00 – Susan’s own recruiting story (from waiting to full ride)
27:30 – How to build a smart target list: reach, targets, and safeties
30:00 – Scholarships explained: full rides, splits, and roster limits
34:00 – New NCAA changes: more flexibility, more packages, NIL impact
37:00 – The truth about financial offers — and why fit still matters most
39:20 – Final takeaways for athletes and 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.

Learn more here: https://nxtvb.com/rr-launch

Connect with Susan:
Check out the website: www.nxtvb.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.