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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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30 episodes
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English

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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.
S1 · E38
April 16 · 14 min
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 also explains the role of a “copilot” in the recruiting process, and how the right guidance can make the journey smoother without taking away ownership from the athlete. For parents, this episode offers a helpful shift in perspective on how to best support your athlete without becoming the backseat driver, and why your role matters more than you think. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or stuck in the recruiting process, this episode will help you simplify your approach, build momentum, and keep moving forward. Chapters 00:00 – Intro 00:45 – Recruiting isn’t a step-by-step process 01:45 – Why planning everything creates stress 02:30 – Direction over perfection 03:45 – Focus on the next step 04:15 – The role of a recruiting guide 05:45 – Action creates clarity 07:00 – What this means for athletes 08:00 – What this means for parents 09:30 – Why outside support helps 11:00 – Parents as the fuel, not the driver 12:30 – What actually helps families most 13:30 – Final takeaway: keep moving 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 · E37
April 9 · 28 min
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 also discuss how scholarship structures have evolved, why programs hold spots for the right player, and what happens after an offer is extended. If you’re feeling pressure to commit early, this episode will help you approach decisions with more clarity and confidence. Guest: Keegan Cook Keegan Cook is the head coach of the University of Minnesota volleyball program and one of the most respected voices in the college game when it comes to recruiting and player development. Since taking over in 2022, he’s led the Gophers to three straight NCAA Tournament appearances, including a Sweet 16 run, while earning AVCA Region Coach of the Year honors. Prior to Minnesota, Cook built a powerhouse at the University of Washington with multiple Pac-12 titles, a Final Four appearance, and consistent national success. With experience across club, mid-major, and Power 5 levels, as well as involvement with USA Volleyball, he brings a well-rounded perspective on how the recruiting process works and how it’s evolving for today’s athletes and families. Chapters 00:00 – Why timing matters in recruiting 01:00 – When uncommitted athletes gain value 03:00 – The “hot and cold” recruiting cycle 05:00 – Transfer portal and shifting opportunities 07:30 – Why waiting can open more doors 10:00 – Scholarship trends and roster strategy 12:30 – Rethinking the scarcity mindset 15:00 – Changes in scholarship structure 17:00 – The value of academics in recruiting 18:30 – What happens after an offer 21:00 – Communication after an offer 23:00 – Making decisions with clarity 24:30 – The myth of the perfect fit 26:00 – Final advice and future outlook Connect with Keegan: Instagram: @gophervb 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 · E36
April 2 · 30 min
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 the process has evolved, and what college coaches are navigating behind the scenes. You’ll also learn why camps have become such a big part of recruiting and how families can better understand what’s happening during this phase. If you’re trying to make sense of June 15th and the overall recruiting timeline, this episode will give you important context and clarity. Guest: Keegan Cook Keegan Cook is the head coach of the University of Minnesota volleyball program and one of the most respected voices in the college game when it comes to recruiting and player development. Since taking over in 2022, he’s led the Gophers to three straight NCAA Tournament appearances, including a Sweet 16 run, while earning AVCA Region Coach of the Year honors. Prior to Minnesota, Cook built a powerhouse at the University of Washington with multiple Pac-12 titles, a Final Four appearance, and consistent national success. With experience across club, mid-major, and Power 5 levels, as well as involvement with USA Volleyball, he brings a well-rounded perspective on how the recruiting process works and how it’s evolving for today’s athletes and families. Chapters 00:00 – Intro and why recruiting feels overwhelming right now 01:30 – Meet Keegan Cook and his perspective on recruiting 04:00 – The biggest issue: limited communication before June 15th 08:30 – How recruiting used to work vs. now 12:30 – Why June 15th changed everything 16:00 – The “floodgates” effect and rising pressure on athletes 19:00 – Why camps have become such a big part of recruiting 22:00 – The gap between June 15th and official visits 24:00 – How families are trying to read interest without communication 26:00 – Why recruiting feels rushed and exhausting Connect with Keegan: Instagram: @gophervb 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 · E35
March 26 · 31 min
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 consistent engagement matters more than a single data point. If you’ve ever wondered what those numbers and notifications really mean, this episode will give you a clearer picture of how coaches use University Athlete in recruiting. Guest: Corie Murphy Corie Murphy is the Director of Operations at University Athlete (UA), a platform used by college coaches across the country to organize and evaluate athletes in the recruiting process. A former collegiate volleyball player at Eastern Washington and assistant coach at the University of Idaho, Corie has spent more than two decades working at the intersection of technology and college athletics. Through her work with University Athlete, she helps develop tools that allow college coaches to track prospects, manage evaluations, and recruit more efficiently throughout the year. Chapters 00:00 – What a University Athlete “evaluation” actually is 01:00 – The different tools coaches use to evaluate players 02:00 – How recruiting tags work behind the scenes 03:00 – Ratings, notes, and internal evaluations 04:30 – Why athletes see evaluation activity 06:00 – Can coaches see each other’s notes? 07:00 – Why an evaluation doesn’t always mean recruiting interest 08:30 – What patterns athletes should actually look for 10:00 – What makes a helpful athlete profile 11:30 – The importance of accurate contact information 13:00 – New AI matching features coming to UA 15:00 – How clubs may use UA in the future 20:00 – Do Power 4 coaches use UA? 22:00 – What to do if a coach says no 24:30 – The one thing every athlete should do on their UA profile Connect with Corie: Website: www.universityathlete.com Instagram: @universityathlete 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 · E34
March 19 · 32 min
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 why athletes don’t need to send court times anymore. If you’re trying to make recruiting easier and stand out, understanding platforms like UA can give you a real advantage. Guest: Corie Murphy Corie Murphy is the Director of Operations at University Athlete (UA), a platform used by college coaches across the country to organize and evaluate athletes in the recruiting process. A former collegiate volleyball player at Eastern Washington and former assistant coach at the University of Idaho, Corie has spent more than two decades working at the intersection of technology and college athletics. Through her work with University Athlete, she helps develop tools that allow college coaches to track prospects, manage evaluations, and recruit more efficiently throughout the year. Chapters 01:00 – How UA started and why it was created 03:00 – The technology that changed recruiting at tournaments 05:30 – How college coaches used to recruit before UA 07:00 – What University Athlete actually is 08:30 – How coaches organize recruiting using the platform 10:00 – How tournament packets work 11:30 – Why college coaches are always on their phones at events 12:30 – Why athletes don’t need to email court times 14:00 – How coaches track recruits over time 15:30 – Free athlete profiles and how the database works 18:00 – What athletes should include on their UA profile 21:00 – What the upgraded UA profile shows athletes 23:30 – Messaging tools and college matching features 26:00 – How athletes can use UA strategically in recruiting Connect with Corie: Website: www.universityathlete.com Instagram: @universityathlete 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 · E33
March 12 · 12 min
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 spend your time and money matters. You’ll learn the different types of volleyball camps, how coaches view them from the recruiting side, and the key questions families should ask before signing up. Susan also walks through how camps can help athletes build connections with programs, gain clarity about potential schools, and move forward in the recruiting process when used strategically. If camps are part of your recruiting plan this year, this episode will help you think about them in a smarter and more informed way. Chapters 00:00 – A sneak peek inside Volleyball Recruiting School 01:00 – Why families struggle to plan their camp strategy 02:00 – The role camps play in the recruiting process 03:30 – Why you don’t need camps to get recruited 05:00 – How camps can provide clarity and exposure 06:30 – Understanding the recruiting “funnel” 08:00 – The three main types of volleyball camps 09:00 – Camps hosted at club programs 09:45 – College camps hosted on campus 10:45 – Prospect camps vs. general camps 11:15 – Showcase style camps and evaluations 11:45 – Why strategy matters when choosing camps 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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