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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 scholarship strategy to navigating transfer rules, we’re talking about the future of the game and how to own your path within it.

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26 episodes
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Tuesday · 30 min
Bonus Episode: Wrigley Field Was Bigger Than the Slippery Court
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 from a fan’s perspective when court conditions eventually stopped play. Susan also shares what stood out to her about the athletes and their willingness to adapt, help find solutions, and make the most of an incredibly unusual situation. But this episode is about more than what went wrong. Susan reflects on what it meant to see more than 40,000 volleyball fans show up for an event like this and how far the sport has come from the days when she had to record Olympic volleyball on VHS in the middle of the night just to watch it. Was everything perfect? No. But Susan believes there’s a lot the volleyball world can learn from Wrigley and even more to be excited about when it comes to where the sport is headed. Chapters 00:00 – Why Susan went to Wrigley Field 01:45 – Susan’s lifelong connection to volleyball 05:00 – From recording volleyball on VHS to filling stadiums 07:15 – Behind-the-scenes access at Wrigley 09:10 – Seeing the outdoor court and practice firsthand 11:00 – The challenges of playing volleyball outdoors 12:00 – Why Susan was so impressed by the athletes 15:00 – What happened with the court conditions 17:00 – What the experience felt like inside the stadium 18:00 – How the athletes responded 20:00 – Was the Wrigley Field event still a success? 24:00 – Susan’s favorite part of the entire experience 27:00 – What Wrigley says about the future of volleyball Connect with Susan: Check out the website: www.nxtvb.com Follow on Instagram + TikTok: @hey.susank www.rallysend.com Looking for a better way to stay organized and manage your recruiting? Check out www.rallysend.com—our go-to recruiting software for athletes, families, and clubs. It streamlines communication with college coaches, saves hours on recruiting outreach, and helps you stay ahead of the biggest challenge in the recruiting process: time. Use code HEYSUSAN to save $5/month on a monthly subscription or $50 off an annual plan.
S2 · E56
September 10 · 36 min
56: Hidden Truths of D1 Volleyball Recruiting from 3 Dads (Part 1)
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 narrowing a target school list, and trying to understand where their daughters realistically fit within the national recruiting landscape. Susan also breaks down why recruiting can feel so subjective in volleyball, why measurable stats only tell part of the story, and why gaining clarity early can help families spend their time, energy, and resources more strategically. If you’re a parent trying to understand what may be coming next in your daughter’s recruiting process, this episode gives you an honest look at what these families learned while going through it in real time. Chapters 00:00 – Susan’s recruiting support and Volleyball Recruiting School 06:00 – Why these three dads wanted to share their experience 07:25 – Meet the volleyball dads and their daughters 11:25 – How volleyball recruiting differs from other sports 13:30 – What happened when June 15th arrived 18:50 – When families realized recruiting was moving fast 19:10 – Visiting campuses early to gain clarity 22:55 – Why camps matter more than families may realize 24:20 – Narrowing the school list and targeting strategically 27:20 – A late-blooming athlete and a very fast recruiting journey 29:20 – Why evaluating volleyball recruits is so subjective 31:35 – The importance of jump touch and measurable traits 32:20 – What’s coming in Part 2 About the Guests: Jason Wender Father of Liv Wender, 2028 S, West Virginia Commit Matthew Delaney Father of Carolina Delaney, 2028 OH, Pepperdine Commit Brett Baatrup Father of Amaya Simon, 2028 MB, Colorado State Commit Connect with the Players: Amaya Simon: @amayaclassof2028 Carolina Delaney: @carolinadelaneyvb Liv Wender: @livwendervolleyball Connect with Susan: Check out the website: www.nxtvb.com Follow on Instagram + TikTok: @hey.susank www.rallysend.com Looking for a better way to stay organized and manage your recruiting? Check out www.rallysend.com—our go-to recruiting software for athletes, families, and clubs. It streamlines communication with college coaches, saves hours on recruiting outreach, and helps you stay ahead of the biggest challenge in the recruiting process: time. Use code HEYSUSAN to save $5/month on a monthly subscription or $50 off an annual plan.
S2 · E55
September 3 · 46 min
55: Inside Mizzou Volleyball with Dawn Sullivan: Recruiting, Culture & Wrigley Field
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 the right people and creating genuine relationships are at the center of her recruiting philosophy. Dawn gives athletes and parents a behind-the-scenes look at the things college coaches may be evaluating that recruits don’t always realize. Then the conversation heads to Wrigley Field. Dawn shares how Mizzou was selected for the SEC-Big Ten Challenge, how the team has prepared to play outdoors, and what she hopes fans see when Mizzou takes the court on one of volleyball’s biggest stages. Whether you’re navigating recruiting or simply excited about where college volleyball is headed, this episode offers an inside look at what it takes to build a program where talent, culture, and the right fit all matter. Chapters 00:00 – Why this Mizzou conversation is special 02:25 – Meet Mizzou head coach Dawn Sullivan 05:35 – Dawn’s coaching journey and philosophy 07:15 – Building a program around people and culture 09:10 – Recruiting athletes who fit the program 11:20 – How Dawn evaluates character 12:20 – Building confidence, trust, and connection 16:25 – Rebuilding Mizzou volleyball 19:00 – Recruiting Missouri athletes 20:05 – How the transfer portal fits into Mizzou’s strategy 23:25 – What Dawn really looks for in recruits 27:05 – Grit, ownership, and the role of parents 30:00 – How the Wrigley Field match came together 32:20 – Preparing to play volleyball outdoors 36:20 – Mentally preparing for the Wrigley stage 37:35 – The personality behind this Mizzou team 40:05 – What Dawn hopes fans see at Wrigley About the Guest: Dawn Sullivan is the head coach of Mizzou Volleyball, where she has quickly helped reestablish the Tigers as a contender in the SEC. Sullivan took over the program in December 2022 and led Mizzou to back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances in her first two seasons, including a run to the Sweet 16 in 2024. She was named SEC Coach of the Year in her first season and AVCA Central Region Coach of the Year in 2024. Now entering her fourth season at Mizzou, Sullivan has compiled a 57–33 record with the Tigers and recently signed a contract extension through the 2029 season. Before Mizzou, Sullivan spent five seasons as the head coach at UNLV, where she built the Rebels into one of the Mountain West's top programs. She went 109–38, led UNLV to five straight postseason appearances, two Mountain West championships and the 2021 NIVC Championship, while earning Mountain West Coach of the Year honors twice. Prior to UNLV, Sullivan spent 13 seasons on staff at Iowa State. A former All-American at Kansas State, she helped lead the Wildcats to four straight NCAA Tournament appearances as a player and was inducted into the Kansas State Athletics Hall of Fame in 2016. Connect with Dawn: Website: https://mutigers.com/sports/womens-volleyball Instagram: @dawn3sullivan Link to the book: Sidelined No Longer: The Untold Story of Women's College Sports by Karen S. Rudolph (Susan's Mom) Connect with Susan: Check out the website: www.nxtvb.com Follow on Instagram + TikTok: @hey.susank www.rallysend.com Looking for a better way to stay organized and manage your recruiting? Check out www.rallysend.com—our go-to recruiting software for athletes, families, and clubs. It streamlines communication with college coaches, saves hours on recruiting outreach, and helps you stay ahead of the biggest challenge in the recruiting process: time. Use code HEYSUSAN to save $5/month on a monthly subscription or $50 off an annual plan.
S2 · E54
August 27 · 43 min
54: Your Volleyball Career Can Build More Than a Resume with Bella Bergmark (Part 2)
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 how sharing her own experiences with burnout and mental health helped her connect with thousands of other athletes. They also get practical about overcoming the fear of posting, staying consistent, approaching brands, working with agencies, and creating content that fits into an already busy athlete schedule. More than anything, Bella and Susan explore how athletes can use the opportunities available today to build skills, income, relationships, and a personal brand that can create more options when their playing career eventually ends. Chapters 00:00 – Building opportunities beyond volleyball 02:05 – Bella’s introduction to NIL 04:25 – How athletes can build an audience 06:05 – Why brands work with athletes 07:40 – Getting over the fear of posting 10:10 – Sharing her mental health journey 15:10 – Using content to help other athletes 18:40 – Creating content consistently 22:15 – Brand partnerships and agencies 27:40 – Turning what makes you different into an advantage 30:00 – Create more than you consume 33:00 – The growing opportunities in volleyball 35:15 – NIL and life after sports 39:45 – Final takeaways About the Guest: Bella Bergmark is a professional volleyball player and coach originally from San Francisco. She played her undergraduate volleyball at UC Berkeley before transferring to the University of Texas, where she won two national championships. Since turning pro, Bella has competed across three professional seasons — in Puerto Rico, France, and most recently with LOVB Austin, where her team won the league championship last season. Beyond competing, Bella runs volleyball clinics around the country each year and coaches athletes online through her program, the Bergmark Performance Academy, offering personalized film review and 1-on-1 coaching for players looking to take their game to the next level. She's also active on social media, sharing volleyball tips, strength and conditioning content, and volleyball humor with her audience. Off the court, she lives with her dog Freyja and her cat Mochi. Connect with Bella: LOVB Website: https://www.lovb.com/teams/lovb-austin-volleyball Instagram:@bella.bergmark Connect with Susan: Check out the website: www.nxtvb.com Follow on Instagram + TikTok: @hey.susank www.rallysend.com Looking for a better way to stay organized and manage your recruiting? Check out www.rallysend.com—our go-to recruiting software for athletes, families, and clubs. It streamlines communication with college coaches, saves hours on recruiting outreach, and helps you stay ahead of the biggest challenge in the recruiting process: time. Use code HEYSUSAN to save $5/month on a monthly subscription or $50 off an annual plan.
S2 · E53
August 20 · 28 min
53: From Overlooked Recruit to National Champion with Bella Bergmark (Part 1)
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 shares what pushed her to enter the transfer portal, how quickly Texas came calling, and what it was like stepping into a gym filled with All-Americans and competing for a role on a championship team. They also talk about the coaches who believed in Bella before she fully believed in herself, learning to trust the process, and how taking a chance on herself ultimately opened the door to a career she never imagined when she was a high school athlete. Today, Bella has played professionally in Puerto Rico, France, and with LOVB Austin, where her team won the league championship last season. If you’ve ever felt overlooked, behind, or unsure where your recruiting journey is headed, Bella’s story is a powerful reminder that your first opportunity does not have to be your final destination. Chapters 00:00 – From an overlooked recruit to Cal 04:20 – Bella’s recruiting journey and position change 07:35 – Arriving at Cal and fighting for playing time 12:25 – When volleyball stopped feeling fun 16:40 – Deciding to enter the transfer portal 20:05 – Why Bella took the chance on Texas 23:15 – The coach who believed in her 25:15 – Building belief and detaching from outcomes 28:15 – From college volleyball to playing professionally About the Guest: Bella Bergmark is a professional volleyball player and coach originally from San Francisco. She played her undergraduate volleyball at UC Berkeley before transferring to the University of Texas, where she won two national championships. Since turning pro, Bella has competed across three professional seasons — in Puerto Rico, France, and most recently with LOVB Austin, where her team won the league championship last season. Beyond competing, Bella runs volleyball clinics around the country each year and coaches athletes online through her program, the Bergmark Performance Academy, offering personalized film review and 1-on-1 coaching for players looking to take their game to the next level. She's also active on social media, sharing volleyball tips, strength and conditioning content, and volleyball humor with her audience. Off the court, she lives with her dog Freyja and her cat Mochi. Connect with Bella: LOVB Website: https://www.lovb.com/teams/lovb-austin-volleyball Instagram:@bella.bergmark Connect with Susan: Check out the website: www.nxtvb.com Follow on Instagram + TikTok: @hey.susank www.rallysend.com Looking for a better way to stay organized and manage your recruiting? Check out www.rallysend.com—our go-to recruiting software for athletes, families, and clubs. It streamlines communication with college coaches, saves hours on recruiting outreach, and helps you stay ahead of the biggest challenge in the recruiting process: time. Use code HEYSUSAN to save $5/month on a monthly subscription or $50 off an annual plan.
S2 · E52
August 6 · 37 min
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 recruiting. Beyond the software itself, this conversation explores why volleyball is experiencing incredible momentum, what professional volleyball in the United States means for the next generation of athletes, and why the recruiting process should be about finding the right fit, not simply getting an offer. Whether you're just beginning your recruiting journey or already reaching out to college coaches, this episode is packed with practical insights that can save you time, reduce stress, and help you approach recruiting with more confidence. Chapters 00:00 – Meet Mike and RallySend 02:15 – From tech to volleyball 04:15 – Investing in pro volleyball 08:45 – Why volleyball is ready to grow 13:00 – What pro volleyball creates for young athletes 15:15 – Entering the recruiting process as a parent 18:15 – The biggest recruiting time-wasters 20:15 – How RallySend was created 22:45 – Using roster trends to target schools 25:30 – The features that make outreach easier 28:15 – Tracking coach engagement 29:45 – Keeping coach information current 31:15 – The future of RallySend 32:30 – What Mike hopes his daughter remembers 34:30 – How families can get started About the Guest: Mike Su is a volleyball dad, serial entrepreneur, and founder of RallySend.com, the premier tool for streamlining athlete outreach to college coaches. Mike is also a minority owner of the San Francisco Signal, LOVB's newest expansion team. With a 25+ year career as a product executive at companies like Snap, mitú, and Upworthy, he now focuses his expertise on solving the recruiting grind. When he's not building RallySend or editing highlights for his daughter Kylie (2028 scrappy libero with a 4.36 GPA *hint hint* ), he is involved with his local church, Defy Ventures, and Rideback Rise. He lives in Los Angeles with his wife, three kids, and their dog, Boogie. Connect with Mike: Website: www.rallysend.com Instagram: @getrallysend @biggiesu Connect with Susan: Check out the website: www.nxtvb.com Follow on Instagram + TikTok: @hey.susank www.rallysend.com Looking for a better way to stay organized and manage your recruiting? Check out www.rallysend.com—our go-to recruiting software for athletes, families, and clubs. It streamlines communication with college coaches, saves hours on recruiting outreach, and helps you stay ahead of the biggest challenge in the recruiting process: time. Use code HEYSUSAN to save $5/month on a monthly subscription or $50 off an annual plan.
S2 · E51
July 30 · 37 min
51: Why This D1 Coach Keeps Practice Under Two Hours (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 self-direct their warmup, and why he refuses to run practices longer than two hours. He explains how giving athletes ownership over their own development, from what they choose to work on before practice, to what they stay after for, to what they eat, has become the center of his coaching philosophy. He also shares the simple challenge he gives every player: "Give me two days a week where you stay after 10 minutes and work on something." Susan and Jason then get into the concept of "enough-ness" and why celebration motivation is more sustainable than pushing yourself from a place of lack. Jason shares how becoming a dad, working alongside Cal Poly head coach Caroline Walters, and lots of self-reflection shaped the kind of coach he wants to be, and the kind of coach he would want his own kids to one day play for. He closes with what drew him to Nevada, from Lake Tahoe and ski mountains 15 minutes from campus, to state-of-the-art facilities, to a tight-knit community he can't wait to build a program around. If your daughter is trying to figure out what a healthy college volleyball environment actually looks like, this episode is a must-listen. Chapters 00:00 – Welcome back to Part 2 01:00 – Practice as a choice, not a chore 02:30 – Ditching pepper and the dynamic warmup 06:30 – The 2-hour practice cap and why every rep matters 11:00 – "Give me 10 minutes after practice" 17:00 – Enough-ness: celebration over lack motivation 19:00 – Why he trusts his athletes with their nutrition 23:00 – How becoming a dad changed his coaching 27:30 – What drew him to Nevada 33:30 – Vibe attracts your tribe About the Guest: Jason Borchin is the head coach of the University of Nevada Women's Volleyball program, named to the role in December 2025 after helping lead Cal Poly to a historic Cinderella run to the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16. Over nine seasons at Cal Poly, he served as recruiting coordinator and associate head coach, helping the Mustangs win back-to-back Big West titles and earn multiple NCAA Tournament appearances. Prior to Cal Poly, Jason coached at Notre Dame and Sacramento State, and he brings 18+ years of coaching experience across the intercollegiate, high school, and club levels. He and his wife Jessie (who advises athletes at NXTVB) have three young children. Connect with Jason: Nevada Wolf Pack Volleyball: @nevadavolleyball Coach page: Jason Borchin at Nevada Connect with Susan: Check out the website: www.nxtvb.com Follow on Instagram + TikTok: @hey.susank www.rallysend.com Looking for a better way to stay organized and manage your recruiting? Check out www.rallysend.com—our go-to recruiting software for athletes, families, and clubs. It streamlines communication with college coaches, saves hours on recruiting outreach, and helps you stay ahead of the biggest challenge in the recruiting process: time. Use code HEYSUSAN to save $5/month on a monthly subscription or $50 off an annual plan.
#50
July 23 · 31 min
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 unseeded team, interviewing for the Nevada job the Monday after the tournament ended, and uprooting his family with three young kids in tow. He shares what made the Cal Poly team so magical, from a culture of celebration and authenticity to the philosophy that "the right kid beats the best athlete," and why letting players be fully themselves is what unlocks the confidence to win. The second half of the conversation is a masterclass in recruiting. Jason walks through what actually separates athletes at the finish line of a coach's target list, the "genuine interest hack" that gets him to invest more time watching a recruit, and why copy-paste emails get ignored while a personal, well-researched email can move an athlete up the board. He also shares what it looks like when an athlete is willing to wear her heart on her sleeve, and why that vulnerability is often the difference between an offer and a pass. If your daughter is on a college coach's radar (or trying to be), this episode is exactly what she needs to hear. Chapters 00:00 – Celebrating 50 episodes with Coach Jason Borchin 02:00 – The whirlwind from the Sweet 16 to the Nevada job 06:00 – Managing chaos, family, and the transfer portal 09:00 – What made Cal Poly's Cinderella team so special 13:00 – Confidence, celebration, and letting kids be themselves 17:00 – Being underestimated as a mid-major program 19:00 – "Cal Poly kids": the right kid over the best athlete 23:00 – Building the same culture at Nevada 26:00 – What genuine interest looks like on a recruiting call 33:00 – Why copy-paste emails get ignored About the Guest: Jason Borchin is the head coach of the University of Nevada Women's Volleyball program, named to the role in December 2025 after helping lead Cal Poly to a historic Cinderella run to the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16. Over nine seasons at Cal Poly, he served as recruiting coordinator and associate head coach, helping the Mustangs win back-to-back Big West titles and earn multiple NCAA Tournament appearances. Prior to Cal Poly, Jason coached at Notre Dame and Sacramento State, and he brings 18+ years of coaching experience across the intercollegiate, high school, and club levels. He and his wife Jessie (who advises athletes at NXTVB) have three young children. Connect with Jason: Nevada Wolf Pack Volleyball: @nevadavolleyball Coach page: Jason Borchin at Nevada Connect with Susan: Check out the website: www.nxtvb.com Follow on Instagram + TikTok: @hey.susank www.rallysend.com Looking for a better way to stay organized and manage your recruiting? Check out www.rallysend.com—our go-to recruiting software for athletes, families, and clubs. It streamlines communication with college coaches, saves hours on recruiting outreach, and helps you stay ahead of the biggest challenge in the recruiting process: time. Use code HEYSUSAN to save $5/month on a monthly subscription or $50 off an annual plan.
#49
July 16 · 39 min
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 a 1?" that gently gets her focused on what she actually did well. She also shares how to handle the "I don't know" answer, how to reflect her thinking back to her, and a reframe on motivation she calls "gas car vs. electric car," why celebration motivation is faster and more sustainable than being hard on yourself. If you're holding space for an athlete chasing a big goal, this episode gives you a script you can use the very next time she comes to you upset. Chapters 00:00 – Behind the scenes at Girls Junior Nationals 02:00 – Advisor vs. recruiter (and what parents often misunderstand) 05:00 – Why college coach interviews matter 07:30 – Doing scary things and building the podcast 11:00 – Where this episode's tool comes from 13:00 – Susan's life coaching certification story 19:00 – Introducing the Ratings Game 20:00 – How to ask the 1-to-10 question 22:00 – The "Why isn't it a 1?" follow-up 23:00 – What to do when she says "I don't know" 25:00 – Celebration motivation vs. lack motivation 28:00 – What would have made it a 10? 29:30 – Reflecting her thinking back to her 31:00 – Focusing on what she can control Follow Coach Desi on Instagram: @thisiscoachdesi Connect with Susan: Check out the website: www.nxtvb.com Follow on Instagram + TikTok: @hey.susank www.rallysend.com Looking for a better way to stay organized and manage your recruiting? Check out www.rallysend.com—our go-to recruiting software for athletes, families, and clubs. It streamlines communication with college coaches, saves hours on recruiting outreach, and helps you stay ahead of the biggest challenge in the recruiting process: time. Use code HEYSUSAN to save $5/month on a monthly subscription or $50 off an annual plan.
July 9 · 18 min
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 of holding out for a Top 25 or Pac-10 program as a 16-year-old recruit, why she sat on offers from schools that didn't match her vision, and what made the wait worth it. She also tells the story of a former club athlete who chose to commit to the first offer she received from her dream conference, and how having a little specificity with an open mind made for one of the smoothest recruiting processes Susan has seen. She closes with a powerful reframe: in your recruiting process, you are the driver, not the victim. If you're not getting interest from the schools you want, you get to decide whether to double down, adjust your list, or become the athlete who's good enough for the goal. Leaning into desire rather than fear is what changes everything. Chapters 00:00 – Why timelines feel like a verdict (and shouldn't) 01:30 – The recruiting spectrum: specific vs. open-minded 03:00 – Why clarity moves you forward faster 04:00 – Specific athletes, smaller pools, longer timelines 05:30 – Susan's recruiting story: holding out for the Pac-10 08:00 – When backup offers become teachers 09:30 – Why two athletes' timelines should never match 11:30 – The West Coast Conference athlete who said yes to the first offer 13:30 – Choosing your process instead of being a victim to it 15:00 – Leaning into desire over fear Connect with Susan: Check out the website: www.nxtvb.com Follow on Instagram + TikTok: @hey.susank www.rallysend.com Looking for a better way to stay organized and manage your recruiting? Check out www.rallysend.com—our go-to recruiting software for athletes, families, and clubs. It streamlines communication with college coaches, saves hours on recruiting outreach, and helps you stay ahead of the biggest challenge in the recruiting process: time. Use code HEYSUSAN to save $5/month on a monthly subscription or $50 off an annual plan.
#47
July 2 · 19 min
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, driving the same car, or trying to reach the same destination. Susan digs into the comparison trap that's stealing confidence from so many families, why looking at your bestie's journey is still just a snapshot you can't fully see, and how the spectrum between very specific and very open-minded athletes creates very different timelines (and why neither is wrong). She closes with a powerful reminder that every successful recruiting story has one thing in common: the athlete kept moving. If you've been quietly comparing yourself to teammates, classmates, or strangers on social media, this episode is the windshield-shift you need. Chapters 00:00 – Borrowing belief when you can't quite believe it yourself 02:30 – Every recruiting journey is unique (and why that's hard to accept) 04:30 – The road trip analogy: 100 families, same destination 07:00 – Different vehicles, routes, and obstacles 08:00 – Why recruiting is more like West Coast to East Coast 09:30 – The comparison trap (even with your bestie) 11:30 – Specific vs. open-minded athletes 13:00 – The goal isn't to arrive first 14:00 – Stop looking out the side windows 15:00 – Choosing the right kind of recruiting support Connect with Susan: Check out the website: www.nxtvb.com Follow on Instagram + TikTok: @hey.susank www.rallysend.com Looking for a better way to stay organized and manage your recruiting? Check out www.rallysend.com—our go-to recruiting software for athletes, families, and clubs. It streamlines communication with college coaches, saves hours on recruiting outreach, and helps you stay ahead of the biggest challenge in the recruiting process: time. Use code HEYSUSAN to save $5/month on a monthly subscription or $50 off an annual plan.
#46
June 25 · 30 min
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 days before June 15th feel like walking through a dark tunnel, sharing a personal story about taking her three young sons through an abandoned train tunnel in Truckee. She explains how June 15th is essentially the lights coming on in the middle of that tunnel, finally giving families clarity on how far they've come, what's ahead, and what direction to go next. She also calls out the social media trap that makes a small percentage of athletes feel like the majority, and offers a "Bill Nye, not Judge Judy" approach to assessing what the day actually revealed. If June 15th didn't unfold the way your family hoped, or you're trying to figure out what to do with the information you now have, this episode will help you reset, reassess, and move forward with clarity. Chapters 00:00 – The power of being a little delusional 03:00 – Validating the post-June 15th emotional roller coaster 05:30 – June 15th is just information 07:30 – Recruiting before June 15th: walking through the dark 10:00 – The Truckee tunnel story 13:30 – When the lights come on 17:00 – Doors, mirages, and the rare easy paths 19:00 – Why social media spotlights the few 22:00 – Bill Nye vs. Judge Judy: assess, don't panic 24:30 – Why recruiting doesn't end on June 15th Click HERE for the link to NXTVB Support Connect with Susan: Check out the website: www.nxtvb.com Follow on Instagram + TikTok: @hey.susank www.rallysend.com Looking for a better way to stay organized and manage your recruiting? Check out www.rallysend.com—our go-to recruiting software for athletes, families, and clubs. It streamlines communication with college coaches, saves hours on recruiting outreach, and helps you stay ahead of the biggest challenge in the recruiting process: time. Use code HEYSUSAN to save $5/month on a monthly subscription or $50 off an annual plan.
#45
June 11 · 15 min
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 to make decisions ahead of time about who you want to be, how you want to show up, and what you'll focus on whether things go well or not. She also offers a powerful reframe for any athlete who's been measuring her worth by outcomes instead of actions, and shares the drops-in-a-bucket framework that reminds you why your success in this process is inevitable as long as you don't give up. If June 15th has been weighing on your family, this episode is the deep breath you didn't know you needed before opening day. Chapters 00:00 – What June 15th actually is 02:00 – June 15th is a day, not a verdict 03:30 – The stories we let June 15th mean about us 04:30 – Making decisions ahead of time 06:00 – Disappointment isn't defeat 07:00 – You didn't fail, you just guessed wrong 08:00 – Evaluating yourself by actions, not outcomes 09:30 – The small wins worth celebrating 11:00 – Drops in a bucket: why success is inevitable 13:30 – What to remember if June 15th doesn't go your way Connect with Susan: Check out the website: www.nxtvb.com Follow on Instagram + TikTok: @hey.susank www.rallysend.com Looking for a better way to stay organized and manage your recruiting? Check out www.rallysend.com—our go-to recruiting software for athletes, families, and clubs. It streamlines communication with college coaches, saves hours on recruiting outreach, and helps you stay ahead of the biggest challenge in the recruiting process: time. Use code HEYSUSAN to save $5/month on a monthly subscription or $50 off an annual plan.
#44
June 4 · 35 min
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 recruit's decision, and what athletes can learn from the difference between a winning program and a losing one. They walk through the recruiting calls coaches actually want to have (and the questions that waste everyone's time), the personality cues they pick up on, how their timelines differ at the D1 and D3 levels, the rushed-offer culture around June 15th, and what the new roster limits and fifth-year eligibility rules really mean for the next few recruiting classes. If you're heading into June 15th, prepping for your first call with a college coach, or trying to figure out if you're chasing the right schools, this conversation is a must. About the Guests: Ben and Nancy Somera bring a unique perspective to the college volleyball world, having coached together at the Division I level before now leading successful programs at different divisions in Connecticut. Nancy is the head coach at Fairfield University, where she has quickly built one of the top mid-major programs in the country with multiple MAAC Championships and NCAA Tournament appearances. Ben is the head coach at Wesleyan University, where he has turned the Cardinals into a national Division III contender with multiple NESCAC titles and consistent NCAA Tournament success. Together, the Someras have decades of coaching experience across Division I and Division III volleyball and are widely respected for their ability to build winning cultures, develop athletes, and navigate the evolving recruiting landscape. Their perspective on talent overlap between divisions, recruiting, and what truly creates a great college experience makes for an insightful and timely conversation for athletes and families alike. Chapters 00:00 – Why winning culture matters 05:00 – PB&J: passion, bravery, and joy 08:30 – The Power 4 chase vs. finding real fit 13:00 – Inside the recruiting call 17:30 – Doing your homework before you dial 19:00 – Personality, presence, and being yourself 23:30 – D1 vs. D3 recruiting timelines 26:00 – Qualifying coach interest before you wait 28:30 – June 15th, rushed offers, and the camp economy 33:00 – Roster limits and the fifth-year shift Connect with Ben and Nancy: Instagram: Wesleyan University Volleyball Website: Wesleyan University Volleyball Instagram: Fairfield Volleyball Website: Fairfield Volleyball Connect with Susan: Check out the website: www.nxtvb.com Follow on Instagram + TikTok: @hey.susank www.rallysend.com Looking for a better way to stay organized and manage your recruiting? Check out www.rallysend.com—our go-to recruiting software for athletes, families, and clubs. It streamlines communication with college coaches, saves hours on recruiting outreach, and helps you stay ahead of the biggest challenge in the recruiting process: time. Use code HEYSUSAN to save $5/month on a monthly subscription or $50 off an annual plan.
#43
May 28 · 44 min
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 D3 volleyball, from season length and summer commitments to practice intensity, major restrictions, and the perceived talent gap between divisions. They also share how they build winning cultures without burning their athletes out, where their recruiting actually overlaps, and why finding a coach who supports your full college experience may matter more than the division letter on the jersey. If you've ever assumed D1 and D3 are worlds apart, this episode will give you a more honest, behind-the-scenes look at how recruiting really works. About the Guests: Ben and Nancy Somera bring a unique perspective to the college volleyball world, having coached together at the Division I level before now leading successful programs at different divisions in Connecticut. Nancy is the head coach at Fairfield University, where she has quickly built one of the top mid-major programs in the country with multiple MAAC Championships and NCAA Tournament appearances. Ben is the head coach at Wesleyan University, where he has turned the Cardinals into a national Division III contender with multiple NESCAC titles and consistent NCAA Tournament success. Together, the Someras have decades of coaching experience across Division I and Division III volleyball and are widely respected for their ability to build winning cultures, develop athletes, and navigate the evolving recruiting landscape. Their perspective on talent overlap between divisions, recruiting, and what truly creates a great college experience makes for an insightful and timely conversation for athletes and families alike. Chapters 00:00 – Meeting Ben & Nancy 03:30 – Daily life as D1 vs. D3 head coaches 08:00 – Time commitment and season length 13:00 – Internships, summers, and balance 18:00 – Why burned-out athletes don't perform 24:00 – The athletes who thrive in both gyms 29:00 – Where D1 and D3 recruiting overlaps 33:30 – Strength, conditioning, and the fifth-year shift 37:00 – Choosing nursing, pre-med, and other rigorous majors 44:00 – Building a winning culture Connect with Ben and Nancy: Instagram: Wesleyan University Volleyball Website: Wesleyan University Volleyball Instagram: Fairfield Volleyball Website: Fairfield Volleyball Connect with Susan: Check out the website: www.nxtvb.com Follow on Instagram + TikTok: @hey.susank www.rallysend.com Looking for a better way to stay organized and manage your recruiting? Check out www.rallysend.com—our go-to recruiting software for athletes, families, and clubs. It streamlines communication with college coaches, saves hours on recruiting outreach, and helps you stay ahead of the biggest challenge in the recruiting process: time. Use code HEYSUSAN to save $5/month on a monthly subscription or $50 off an annual plan.
S1 · E42
May 21 · 53 min
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 that aligns with your goals. Kenzie also opens up about transitioning to the professional level, adapting to the overseas game, and the mindset that helped her continue proving herself at every stage of her career. If you’ve ever questioned whether there’s only one “right” path in recruiting, this episode is a reminder that success can look a lot of different ways. About the Guest: Kenzie Foley is a professional volleyball player whose journey has been anything but linear. What once felt like rejection became redirection when her indoor collegiate volleyball career at St. Cloud State University ended sooner than expected. Instead of walking away from the sport, Kenzie took a leap of faith into beach volleyball at the University of Central Arkansas, a decision that unexpectedly led her back to the indoor game and ultimately to the start of her professional career in Germany’s Bundesliga. Through every setback, injury, and change of plans, Kenzie has learned that difficult moments often lead to the opportunities we are meant for all along. Her story is a reminder that success doesn’t always happen the way we imagine, but sometimes unfolds even better. Chapters 00:00 – Kenzie’s volleyball journey 03:30 – Why she chose Division II 06:00 – Getting overlooked in recruiting 08:00 – Her path to playing professionally 10:00 – Confidence and proving yourself 13:00 – Her recruiting experience 16:00 – What makes Division II unique 20:00 – Academics, facilities, and balance 23:30 – Earning two college degrees 29:00 – Transitioning to pro volleyball 32:00 – Differences at the pro level 36:00 – Life playing overseas 41:00 – Finding the right fit 47:00 – Final advice for athletes Connect with Kenzie: Instagram: @kenziefoley08 Tik Tok: @kenziefoley08 Connect with Susan: Check out the website: www.nxtvb.com Follow on Instagram + TikTok: @hey.susank www.rallysend.com Looking for a better way to stay organized and manage your recruiting? Check out www.rallysend.com—our go-to recruiting software for athletes, families, and clubs. It streamlines communication with college coaches, saves hours on recruiting outreach, and helps you stay ahead of the biggest challenge in the recruiting process: time. Use code HEYSUSAN to save $5/month on a monthly subscription or $50 off an annual plan.
S1 · E41
May 14 · 39 min
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 the rise of older, more experienced college athletes may impact recruiting timelines and opportunities for future classes. This episode is not meant to create fear or panic, but instead help families think ahead, better understand the bigger picture, and make more informed recruiting decisions moving forward. Chapters 00:00 – Understanding the proposed 5-year rule 01:45 – Fewer roster spots at top programs 08:15 – The talent trickle-down effect 11:30 – Why high academic D3s may benefit 19:30 – The growing value of junior college 23:00 – A higher level of college volleyball 26:30 – How the transfer portal may evolve 28:30 – The future of the student-athlete model 32:30 – International recruiting implications 34:30 – Final thoughts on the future of recruiting Connect with Susan: Check out the website: www.nxtvb.com Follow on Instagram + TikTok: @hey.susank www.rallysend.com Looking for a better way to stay organized and manage your recruiting? Check out www.rallysend.com—our go-to recruiting software for athletes, families, and clubs. It streamlines communication with college coaches, saves hours on recruiting outreach, and helps you stay ahead of the biggest challenge in the recruiting process: time. Use code HEYSUSAN to save $5/month on a monthly subscription or $50 off an annual plan.
May 12 · 18 min
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 speak confidently about themselves without feeling awkward, and what coaches are actually looking for during recruiting calls. They also discuss common first-call questions, how to prepare thoughtful responses, and why confidence and self-awareness can help athletes stand out in the recruiting process. If your athlete is part of the class of 2028 and preparing for June 15th, this episode will help you better understand how to approach the process with more clarity and confidence. ENROLL IN THE JUNE 15th PREP CLUB HERE Chapters 00:00 – Why June 15th feels so important 01:15 – What the Prep Club is designed to do 02:30 – Why telling your story matters 04:30 – Meet Jesse and Desi 07:00 – What coaches notice during recruiting calls 08:45 – The idea behind an elevator pitch 10:00 – Common first-call questions 12:00 – How to answer confidently 14:00 – Giving coaches insight into who you are 15:45 – Confidence vs. sounding cocky 17:15 – Final thoughts on the Prep Club Connect with Susan: Check out the website: www.nxtvb.com Follow on Instagram + TikTok: @hey.susank www.rallysend.com Looking for a better way to stay organized and manage your recruiting? Check out www.rallysend.com—our go-to recruiting software for athletes, families, and clubs. It streamlines communication with college coaches, saves hours on recruiting outreach, and helps you stay ahead of the biggest challenge in the recruiting process: time. Use code HEYSUSAN to save $5/month on a monthly subscription or $50 off an annual plan.
S1 · E40
April 30 · 36 min
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. Chad Koenegstein is the head coach at UC Santa Cruz and a former Colorado College assistant who helped lead three NCAA Tournament teams and coached eight All-Americans. Andrew Brown is the head coach at NYU, where he has built one of the top Division III programs with multiple NCAA Tournament runs and back-to-back Final Four appearances. Chapters 00:00 – Where recruiting starts: the inbox 01:00 – How many athletes coaches evaluate 03:00 – Narrowing down the recruiting funnel 05:00 – What makes athletes stand out 07:00 – The role of film, camps, and communication 09:00 – Why transparency matters in recruiting 10:30 – What athletes are doing right 12:00 – The role of parents in the process 14:00 – How to approach camps strategically 16:00 – Why camp experience matters 18:00 – Evaluating talent across divisions 20:00 – The overlap between D1, D2, and D3 23:00 – What coaches look for in the right fit Book Mentioned: Kids These Days: Effective Strategies for Coaching Gen Z and Beyond Connect with Andrew: Website: https://gonyuathletics.com/sports/womens-volleyball Instagram: @nyuwomensvolley Connect with Chad Website: https://goslugs.com/sports/womens-volleyball Instagram: @ucsc_wvb Connect with Susan: Check out the website: www.nxtvb.com Follow on Instagram + TikTok: @hey.susank www.rallysend.com Looking for a better way to stay organized and manage your recruiting? Check out www.rallysend.com—our go-to recruiting software for athletes, families, and clubs. It streamlines communication with college coaches, saves hours on recruiting outreach, and helps you stay ahead of the biggest challenge in the recruiting process: time. Use code HEYSUSAN to save $5/month on a monthly subscription or $50 off an annual plan.
S1 · E39
April 23 · 36 min
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 also give insight into the collaborative nature of Division III recruiting, how coaches support each other behind the scenes, and why relationships matter. If you’re trying to better understand recruiting and navigate it with more clarity, this episode will give you a strong foundation. Chapters 00:00 – Meet Chad and Andrew 03:00 – Coaching backgrounds and career paths 07:00 – Why relationships and reputation matter in recruiting 09:30 – How recruiting has changed over time 12:00 – The role of technology in recruiting 15:30 – Why Division III is more collaborative 18:00 – How coaches support each other behind the scenes 22:00 – Why recruiting feels more overwhelming than ever 25:00 – The importance of ownership in the recruiting process 27:30 – Why athletes need to be proactive 30:00 – Using technology and AI in recruiting Connect with Andrew: Website: https://gonyuathletics.com/sports/womens-volleyball Instagram: @nyuwomensvolley Connect with Chad Website: https://goslugs.com/sports/womens-volleyball Instagram: @ucsc_wvb Connect with Susan: Check out the website: www.nxtvb.com Follow on Instagram + TikTok: @hey.susank www.rallysend.com Looking for a better way to stay organized and manage your recruiting? Check out www.rallysend.com—our go-to recruiting software for athletes, families, and clubs. It streamlines communication with college coaches, saves hours on recruiting outreach, and helps you stay ahead of the biggest challenge in the recruiting process: time. Use code HEYSUSAN to save $5/month on a monthly subscription or $50 off an annual plan.

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