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...
52: The Recruiting Tool Every Volleyball Family Should Know About
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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 t...
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 th...
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 sp...
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.
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...
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...
