NXTVB
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...
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 al...
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...
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...
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 co...
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 wh...
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...
32: If You Want To Get Recruited, Make It Easy For The Coach
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...
31: Is It the Goal… Or Your Timeline?
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...
30: The Game of ‘General Interest’ in VB Recruiting - And What it Really Means
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...
29: How to Make the Most of College Camps at Clubs
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...
28: The Mental Skills That Keep Athletes at the Top (Part 2)
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...
27: Why Talent Isn’t Enough — The Mindset That Separates Elite Athletes (Part 1)
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...
26: Same Division, Different Experiences — Are You Built for Ivy, Mid-Major, or Power Four? (Part 2)
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...
25: Same Division, Different Experiences — Inside D1 Volleyball (Part 1)
Division I volleyball isn’t one experience — and treating it like it is can lead families down the wrong path.
In Part 1 of this two-part conversation, Susan sits down with Meredith Schamun, a Division I coach who has coached at the Ivy League, mid-major, and Power Four levels. Meredith brings a rare, behind-the-scenes perspective on what actually separates these environments beyond the label of “D1.”
They break down how time commitments, training windows, academic priorities, and daily expectations differ across Ivy League and Power Four programs — and why many athletes are surprised by what Division I really d...
24: Why I Charge What I Charge: How I Think About Recruiting Support
In this episode, Susan pulls back the curtain on something she rarely explains publicly: how she thinks about pricing, value, and the different levels of recruiting support at NXT VB. Fresh off a D3 high-academic camp weekend that reminded her why she loves this work, Susan shares the heart, intention, and ethics behind every “container” she offers, from free Instagram content, to Volleyball Recruiting School, to high-touch, long-term support.
This episode is about transparency. It’s about trust. It’s about helping families understand what they’re actually paying for when they invest in recruiting support — and why pricing...
23: Why Waiting Until College to Build NIL Is a Mistake
What if your athlete didn’t wait until college to build her NIL, but arrived on campus already prepared, confident, and visible? In this episode of the NXTVB Podcast, Susan sits down with Rebecca Martinez, former collegiate volleyball player, strength and conditioning coach, and social media strategist working directly with elite volleyball athletes in the NIL space.
Together, they break down what NIL really looks like behind the scenes — not the highlight reels you see online, but the mindset, strategy, and consistency that actually create opportunity. This conversation is a must-listen for athletes and parents who want to un...
22: Why Coaches Ghost Your Emails (Part 2): Target Lists, Software Issues & When to Pivot
In Part 2 of this inbox-focused series, Susan and Jessie uncover the realities most athletes never consider when they get ghosted. From a target list that’s too ambitious, to software that prevents coaches from replying, to knowing when repeated silence means it’s time to adjust — this episode is the clearest guide you’ll find on how to course-correct your recruiting strategy.
You’ll also learn how to read open rates and link clicks, how to use Productive Recruit to identify alignment, and how to write emails that coaches actually want to open. This is a must-listen for any at...
21: Why Coaches Ghost Your Emails (Part 1)
Why do college coaches really ghost athletes in their inbox? In Part 1 of this two-part deep dive, Susan and Jessie break down the hidden reasons athletes get ignored — straight from Jessie’s firsthand experience as a former D1 athlete and partner of a long-time D1 recruiting coordinator.
From understanding a coach’s year-round workload to recognizing when your target list is too ambitious, this episode gives athletes and families the honest truth about why they’re not hearing back. You’ll learn what coaches actually look for when they open their inbox, how evaluations really happen, and how to ass...
20: Inside College Volleyball Recruiting — Emails, Red Flags & Real Talk (Part 2)
Welcome to Part 2, where Susan and three experienced college coaches dive straight into the tactical side of recruiting: emails, communication, social media, red flags, and how athletes can stand out in a crowded recruiting landscape.
In this episode, Kevin, Todd, and Jessie reveal exactly what gets their attention, the mistakes that cause them to stop evaluating an athlete, what they really do with highlight videos, and how athletes can build trust through consistent communication.
They also unpack showcases, timelines, parents stepping in at the wrong moments, and the difference between being seen and actually being...
19: The Recruiting Conversations You Never Get to Hear (Part 1)
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 cour...
18: Inside D2 Volleyball — Scholarships, Transfers & Life in Balance (Part 2)
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.
...17: Stop Calling D2 “Second-Best” — These Coaches Will Change Your Mind (Part 1)
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-open...
16: How to Build a Target School List That Gets You Seen and Responses
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...
15: Before You Spend Another Dollar on Recruiting… You Need to Hear This
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 da...
14: The Foundation Every Athlete Needs to Get Recruited
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...
13: The Real Competition in Recruiting (It’s Not Other Athletes)
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 maxim...
12: The Realities of D1 Volleyball (What No One Talks About)
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 r...
11: Finding the Right Fit in an Unexpected Place (Real Recruiting Stories Part 3)
Every athlete dreams of playing at the highest level — but the real win is finding the place where you can truly thrive.
In this final episode of the Real Recruiting Stories mini-series, Susan shares Sally’s journey. Labeled “undersized,” Sally chased Division I dreams and, like so many athletes, would have loved to play D1 if the opportunity was there. But when the calls didn’t come, she found herself building strong connections with high-academic D3 programs instead.
Then came the unexpected twist — a call from a nationally competitive Division II program. At first, it wasn’t the p...
10: She Decommitted… and It Changed Everything (Part 2, Real Recruiting Stories)
In Part 2 of the Real Recruiting Stories mini-series, Susan shares Kelsey’s journey, a rollercoaster recruiting process full of setbacks, detours, and unexpected turns that ultimately led her exactly where she was meant to be.
From committing to her second-choice school, to decommitting after a coaching change, to finally landing at the program she loved all along, Kelsey’s story proves that the muddy middle isn’t a sign of failure — it’s just part of the process.
If you’ve ever felt stuck, uncertain, or tempted to give up, this episode will encourage you to keep going...
9: How One Athlete Turned a “Maybe” Into a Full Roster Spot (Part 1, Real Recruiting Stories)
Welcome to the Real Recruiting Stories mini-series, where we highlight the behind-the-scenes journeys of athletes navigating the ups and downs of the college recruiting process.
In this first episode, Susan shares Emily’s inspiring path, a story that proves success isn’t always straightforward. After being offered a non-traditional role as a team manager instead of a roster spot, Emily faced a choice: walk away, or step in and keep working toward her dream.
Her decision, relentless effort, and unshakable belief turned what looked like a setback into an incredible opportunity, earning her a full roster...
8: Recruiting Secrets Every Athlete Should Know — Insights from a D1 Coach
In this episode, Susan sits down with Aquiles Montoya, Head Coach at Cal State Northridge, to pull back the curtain on the recruiting process.
From what catches a coach’s eye, to how they evaluate players, to the biggest mistakes athletes make in their emails, Coach Montoya gives candid, insider advice you won’t find on a recruiting website. Whether you’re in the Class of 2027 or already deep in the process, this conversation will help you approach your recruiting journey with confidence and strategy.
Chapters
00:00 – Meet Coach Montoya + his jour...
7: This One Thought Is Sabotaging Your Recruiting Journey
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 ac...
6: The Story Behind NXTVB: How I Found My Way Back to Volleyball
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 g...
Bonus Episode: What No One Tells You About Mindset + Recruiting (IG Live Replay)
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...
5: Should You Switch Clubs? The Truth About Choosing Your Team for Next Season
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 p...
Bonus Episode: College Camps at Clubs — Are They Worth It? (IG Live Replay)
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 ge...
4: How to Make the Right Recruiting Decision (And Actually Feel Good About It)
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 de...
Bonus Episode: Get to Know Michelle from Prep Dig CA (IG Live Replay)
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...
3: What You Need to Know About Top Prospects
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 202...
2: Must Have Conversation Before Commitment
In this episode, Susan pulls back the curtain on the real reason families struggle during the college volleyball journey: misaligned expectations between parents and athletes.
Before the offers, visits, and commitments come in, you need clarity on who decides what, how much college really costs, and what matters most to your daughter’s future. Susan walks you through the most important conversations to have before the pressure hits—so your athlete feels supported, confident, and ready to lead her own process.
Chapters
00:00 – The #1 issue that silently derails recruiting
01:30 – What really go...
