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PODCAST

NXTVB

Susan Forbes | Volleyball Recruiting

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

sports volleyball

All Episodes

30:35

31: Is It the Goal… Or Your Timeline?

NXTVB ·

2026/02/26

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: timelin...

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12:51

30: The Games of ‘General Interest’ in VB Recruiting...

NXTVB ·

2026/02/19

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 ...

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29:46

29: How to Make the Most of College Camps at Club

NXTVB ·

2026/02/12

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 con...

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33:54

28: The Mental Skills That Keep Athletes at the Top...

NXTVB ·

2026/02/03

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 an...

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29:01

27: Why Talent Isn’t Enough — The Mindset That...

NXTVB ·

2026/01/29

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 evolv...

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27:42

26: Same Division, Different Experiences — Are You...

NXTVB ·

2026/01/22

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...

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22:55

25: Same Division, Different Experiences — Inside D1...

NXTVB ·

2026/01/15

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 Shamoon, 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 expec...

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29:40

24: Why I Charge What I Charge: How I Think About...

NXTVB ·

2026/01/08

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 tr...

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59:19

23: Why Waiting Until College to Build NIL Is a Mistake

NXTVB ·

2026/01/01

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 ...

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19:46

22: Why Coaches Ghost Your Emails (Part 2): Target...

NXTVB ·

2025/12/23

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 ho...

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40:06

21: Why Coaches Ghost Your Emails (Part 1)

NXTVB ·

2025/12/18

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 le...

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37:10

20: Inside College Volleyball Recruiting — Emails,...

NXTVB ·

2025/12/11

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...

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36:48

19: The Recruiting Conversations You Never Get to...

NXTVB ·

2025/12/04

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 mi...

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38:18

18: Inside D2 Volleyball — Scholarships, Transfers &...

NXTVB ·

2025/11/20

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 tra...

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29:09

17: Stop Calling D2 “Second-Best” — These Coaches...

NXTVB ·

2025/11/13

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 at...

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26:48

16: How to Build a Target School List That Gets You...

NXTVB ·

2025/10/28

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...

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36:37

15: Before You Spend Another Dollar on Recruiting…...

NXTVB ·

2025/10/23

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 rea...

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35:03

14: The Foundation Every Athlete Needs to Get Recruited

NXTVB ·

2025/10/09

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...

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31:27

13: The Real Competition in Recruiting (It’s Not...

NXTVB ·

2025/10/02

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 ...

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40:49

12: The Realities of D1 Volleyball (What No One Talks...

NXTVB ·

2025/09/25

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 recruit...

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35 results

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