NXTVB

What makes an athlete recruitable beyond their physical skills?

In Part 1 of this conversation, Susan sits down with Dana Burkholder, founder of Volleyball Village and a former two-time First Team All-American setter at the University of Arizona, to explore the person behind the player.

Dana shares why self-worth, confidence, and self-awareness matter in athlete development, and how a performance-focused culture can sometimes leave athletes questioning whether they’re good enough. They discuss how athletes can recognize the value they bring to a team beyond points and statistics, and why personal growth matters just as much as...

Recruiting feels slower in the fall, and if you're watching other athletes commit while your inbox stays quiet, it's easy to wonder if you're falling behind. But a quiet recruiting season doesn't mean you're doing something wrong.

In this episode, Susan explains why college coaches have less time for recruiting during their competitive season and why sending more emails isn't always the best way to make progress. Instead of creating activity just to feel productive, you can use the fall to become a better player, evaluate your recruiting strategy, and prepare for the opportunities that may come...

What happens when your target list is too high?

In this episode, Susan breaks down one of the most important—and often misunderstood—parts of volleyball recruiting: targeting the right schools.

She explains what can happen when athletes build a list filled almost entirely with reach schools, from getting ignored by coaches to spending more time, money, and energy trying to get attention. That lack of response can start to affect an athlete’s confidence, mindset, and even how she performs on the court.

Susan also explains the positive cycle that happens when athlet...

How much should parents actually be involved in their daughter’s volleyball recruiting process?

What does it actually take to become a Division I volleyball player, and is D1 always the right goal?

In this special episode, Susan shares a preview of her conversation with her friend Desi McPhail on Your Mental Weight Room. Desi works with athletes on the mindset and mental side of performance, and the two dig into some of the parts of recruiting and college athletics that families don’t always get to see.

Susan breaks down what she sees...

How much should parents actually be involved in their daughter’s volleyball recruiting process?

In Part 2 of Susan’s conversation with three dads of 2028 Division I commits, the conversation shifts from what happened during recruiting to what it was really like to navigate the process as a parent.

The dads share the roles they took on behind the scenes, from managing spreadsheets, emails, film, travel, and school research to helping their daughters think through what they actually wanted in a college experience. They also get candid about the harder part: knowing when to stop coaching, list...

What was it actually like to be inside Wrigley Field for one of the most talked-about volleyball events of the year?

In this bonus episode, Susan takes you behind the scenes of her experience at the Wrigley Field volleyball matches in Chicago. From attending Mizzou’s practice and getting media access to watching the matches from field level, Susan shares what she saw firsthand and what the experience was really like inside the stadium.

She talks about the unique challenges of playing volleyball outdoors, the elevated court, the atmosphere inside Wrigley, and what was happening fr...

What does the volleyball recruiting process actually look like from the parent side?

In Part 1 of this two-part conversation, Susan sits down with three volleyball dads whose daughters recently committed to Division I programs in the class of 2028. Each came into volleyball with experience in other sports, and each quickly discovered that college volleyball recruiting operates very differently.

They share what surprised them most about the process, what happened when June 15th arrived, and just how quickly calls, emails, offers, and decisions started moving. They also talk about college camps, visiting campuses early, building and...

What does an SEC head coach really look for when evaluating recruits?

In this episode, Susan sits down with University of Missouri head coach Dawn Sullivan to talk about recruiting, culture, and what she’s building at Mizzou. Dawn shares why talent is only one piece of the evaluation process and what she notices about an athlete’s competitiveness, resilience, communication, coachability, and how they respond when things don’t go their way.

They also dive into how Dawn rebuilt Mizzou’s roster, the role the transfer portal has played in the program, and why finding...

What if volleyball could help you build opportunities that last long after your playing career ends?

In Part 2 of Susan’s conversation with professional volleyball player Bella Bergmark, they shift the conversation off the court and into NIL, social media, personal branding, and what athletes can start building while they’re still playing.

Bella shares how she went from being skeptical of social media to growing an audience, working with brands, and creating income through content. She explains why athletes don’t need a massive following to get started, what brands are actually looking for, and ho...

Bella Bergmark’s volleyball journey is proof that being overlooked early does not mean you are behind.

In Part 1 of this conversation, Susan sits down with Bella to talk about the path that took her from being a developing recruit in the Bay Area to UC Berkeley, the University of Texas, two national championships, and eventually a professional volleyball career.

Bella opens up about changing positions during recruiting, dealing with performance anxiety, redshirting at Cal, navigating the disruption of COVID, and reaching a point where she knew she wanted more from her volleyball experience. She sh...

Most volleyball families spend hours researching schools, tracking coaches, copying emails, and trying to stay organized throughout the recruiting process. But what if there was a better way?

In this episode, Susan sits down with Mike, founder of RallySend, to talk about how a simple goal of helping his own daughter navigate recruiting turned into one of the most innovative tools available for volleyball athletes today. With a background in product development at Snapchat and years in the tech industry, Mike shares how he applied technology to solve some of the biggest pain points families face during...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 t...

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 th...

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 sp...

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.

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...

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 al...

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...

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...

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 co...

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 wh...

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...

What does it actually mean to “make it easy for a college coach” during the recruiting process?

In this episode, Susan breaks down one of the most important principles families often overlook: college coaches are extremely busy, and athletes who make their lives easier stand out immediately. From how you share film to the way you structure your emails and profiles, small details can make a big difference in how coaches evaluate and remember you.

Susan explains why organization, clarity, and follow-through build trust with coaches and how these habits can separate athletes in a crow...

You say you want to play volleyball in college.

But what if the real thing stressing you out isn’t the goal… it’s the timeline you attached to it?

In this episode, Susan unpacks one of the biggest hidden pressures in recruiting: the belief that it should have happened by now. For the Class of 2026 and 2027 especially, watching other athletes commit can create a quiet panic — even when you’re doing everything “right.”

Susan breaks down the two biggest sources of recruiting frustration: timelines and expectations. She explains why timing is often just a guess...

If you’ve heard the phrase “general interest” from a college coach and walked away confused or unsure what it actually means, this episode is for you.

In this bonus episode, Susan breaks down what “general interest” really means in Division I volleyball recruiting, why coaches use this language, and how families should interpret it without jumping to conclusions.

Susan explains the realities of recruiting timelines, NCAA communication rules, and the difference between top-prospect recruiting and the experience most athletes will actually have. She also clarifies what coaches can and can’t say before June 15 — and why silenc...

If it feels like every club suddenly announced a college camp at the same time, you’re not imagining it.

In this episode of the NXTVB Podcast, Susan breaks down the growing trend of college camps hosted at clubs and explains how they fit into the volleyball recruiting process. She shares why these camps can be a valuable use of time and resources when approached strategically.

Susan walks through why college coaches like these camps, how NCAA rules influence them, and what families should consider before signing up. She also explains how athletes can maximize th...

What happens when talent is no longer the differentiator?

In Part 2 of this deep-dive conversation, Susan and Sonja shift from big-picture mindset to the specific mental tools elite athletes use to perform under pressure and sustain success at the highest levels.

Sonja shares firsthand experiences from professional volleyball and Team USA, where every athlete in the gym is talented — and mental skills become the deciding factor. From visualization and internal dialogue to handling pressure and staying present, this episode gives athletes practical insight into what mental training really looks like at the top.

Th...

Talent might open the door, but mindset determines who stays.

In Part 1 of this powerful conversation, Susan sits down with Sonja Anderson to unpack what actually separates athletes who rise to the top from those who stall out, even when talent levels are similar.

Sonja’s journey spans every level of the game — from small-town high school volleyball to Division I All-American, 12 years playing professionally overseas, and competing with Team USA on the international stage. What kept her evolving wasn’t just skill, but the mental framework she built along the way.

Together, Susan...

In Part 2, Susan and Meredith move from experience to decision-making.They unpack how recruiting actually works across Ivy League, mid-major, and Power Four programs — including timelines, academic expectations, scholarships, financial aid, NIL, and rev share.

Meredith explains the Ivy League academic index, why recruiting timelines move differently, and common misconceptions that cause families to rule out options too early. They also compare needs-based aid and scholarships, and explain why “more money” doesn’t always equal a better fit. This episode gives families clarity and language to make smarter, more grounded recruiting decisions — without panic, pressure, or comparison.

Ch...