NXTVB

Susan Forbes | Volleyball Recruiting
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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.

  1. 12時間前

    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 Quick shoutout to our podcast sponsor University Athlete. The only volleyball-exclusive recruiting platform used by 95% of college coaches. It’s where athletes get seen, get evaluated, and get recruited. Plus it's free and only takes a couple of minutes to activate your profile.  Click the link below to claim your free profile. CLAIM YOUR FREE PROFILE HERE If you decide you want to upgrade to the All-Access pass be sure to use the code ‘NXTVB30’ to save 30% on your yearly membership.  Subscription boxes are all the rave (we get it, they are FUN!) and we’ve developed one for the recruiting process that comes with 1:1 support in our new Set for Success Membership! Every Month as Member You Get to Choose from One of the Following for Support: 🖥️ 1:1 ADVISING CALL with either Sonja, Jessie or Susan from the NXTVB team. 🎥 HIGHLIGHT FILM professionally produced and done for you. 🗣️ OUR TARGETED TAKE with detailed feedback on one specific part of your process, so it's worth your time and effort! 😎 PLUS SEASONAL OFFER...

    51分

  2. 5月14日

    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 Quick shoutout to our podcast sponsor University Athlete. The only volleyball-exclusive recruiting platform used by 95% of college coaches. It’s where athletes get seen, get evaluated, and get recruited. Plus it's free and only takes a couple of minutes to activate your profile.  Click the link below to claim your free profile. CLAIM YOUR FREE PROFILE HERE If you decide you want to upgrade to the All-Access pass be sure to use the code ‘NXTVB30’ to save 30% on your yearly membership.  Subscription boxes are all the rave (we get it, they are FUN!) and we’ve developed one for the recruiting process that comes with 1:1 support in our new Set for Success Membership! Every Month as Member You Get to Choose from One of the Following for Support: 🖥️ 1:1 ADVISING CALL with either Sonja, Jessie or Susan from the NXTVB team. 🎥 HIGHLIGHT FILM professionally produced and done for you. 🗣️ OUR TARGETED TAKE with detailed feedback on one specific part of your process, so it's worth your time and effort! 😎 PLUS SEASONAL OFFER...

    38分

  3. 5月12日 ·  ボーナス

    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 Quick shoutout to our podcast sponsor University Athlete. The only volleyball-exclusive recruiting platform used by 95% of college coaches. It’s where athletes get seen, get evaluated, and get recruited. Plus it's free and only takes a couple of minutes to activate your profile.  Click the link below to claim your free profile. CLAIM YOUR FREE PROFILE HERE If you decide you want to upgrade to the All-Access pass be sure to use the code ‘NXTVB30’ to save 30% on your yearly membership.  Subscription boxes are all the rave (we get it, they are FUN!) and we’ve developed one for the recruiting process that comes with 1:1 support in our new Set for Success Membership! Every Month as Member You Get to Choose from One of the Following for Support: 🖥️ 1:1 ADVISING CALL with either Sonja, Jessie or Susan from the NXTVB team. 🎥 HIGHLIGHT FILM professionally produced and done for you. 🗣️ OUR TARGETED TAKE with detailed feedback on one specific part of your process, so it's worth your time and effort! 😎 PLUS SEASONAL OFFER...

    19分

  4. 4月30日

    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 Quick shoutout to our podcast sponsor University Athlete. The only volleyball-exclusive recruiting platform used by 95% of college coaches. It’s where athletes get seen, get evaluated, and get recruited. Plus it's free and only takes a couple of minutes to activate your profile.  Click the link below to claim your free profile. CLAIM YOUR FREE PROFILE HERE If you decide you want to upgrade to the All-Access pass be sure to use the code ‘NXTVB30’ to save 30% on your yearly membership.  Subscription boxes are all the rave (we get it, they are FUN!) and we’ve developed one for the recruiting process that comes with 1:1 support in our new Set for Success Membership! Every Month as Member You Get to Choose from One of the Following for Support: 🖥️ 1:1 ADVISING CALL with either Sonja, Jessie or Susan from the NXTVB team. 🎥 HIGHLIGHT FILM professionally produced and done for you. 🗣️ OUR TARGETED TAKE with detailed feedback on one specific part of your process, so it's worth your time and effort! 😎 PLUS SEASONAL OFFER...

    35分

  5. 4月23日

    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 Quick shoutout to our podcast sponsor University Athlete. The only volleyball-exclusive recruiting platform used by 95% of college coaches. It’s where athletes get seen, get evaluated, and get recruited. Plus it's free and only takes a couple of minutes to activate your profile.  Click the link below to claim your free profile. CLAIM YOUR FREE PROFILE HERE If you decide you want to upgrade to the All-Access pass be sure to use the code ‘NXTVB30’ to save 30% on your yearly membership.  Subscription boxes are all the rave (we get it, they are FUN!) and we’ve developed one for the recruiting process that comes with 1:1 support in our new Set for Success Membership! Every Month as Member You Get to Choose from One of the Following for Support: 🖥️ 1:1 ADVISING CALL with either Sonja, Jessie or Susan from the NXTVB team. 🎥 HIGHLIGHT FILM professionally produced and done for you. 🗣️ OUR TARGETED TAKE with detailed feedback on one specific part of your process, so it's worth your time and effort! 😎 PLUS SEASONAL OFFER...

    34分

  6. 4月16日

    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 Quick shoutout to our podcast sponsor University Athlete. The only volleyball-exclusive recruiting platform used by 95% of college coaches. It’s where athletes get seen, get evaluated, and get recruited. Plus it's free and only takes a couple of minutes to activate your profile.  Click the link below to claim your free profile. CLAIM YOUR FREE PROFILE HERE If you decide you want to upgrade to the All-Access pass be sure to use the code ‘NXTVB30’ to save 30% on your yearly membership.  Subscription boxes are all the rave (we get it, they are FUN!) and we’ve developed one for the recruiting process that comes with 1:1 support in our new Set for Success Membership! Every Month as Member You Get to Choose from One of the Following for Support: 🖥️ 1:1 ADVISING CALL with either Sonja, Jessie or Susan from the NXTVB team. 🎥 HIGHLIGHT FILM professionally produced and done for you. 🗣️ OUR TARGETED TAKE with detailed feedback on one specific part of your process, so it's worth your time and effort! 😎 PLUS SEASONAL OFFER...

    14分

  7. 4月9日

    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: Connect with Susan: Check out the website: www.nxtvb.com Follow on Instagram + TikTok: @hey.susank Quick shoutout to our podcast sponsor University Athlete. The only volleyball-exclusive recruiting platform used by 95% of college coaches. It’s where athletes get seen, get evaluated, and get recruited. Plus it's free and only takes a couple of minutes to activate your profile.  Click the link below to claim your free profile. CLAIM YOUR FREE PROFILE HERE If you decide you want to upgrade to the All-Access pass be sure to use the code ‘NXTVB30’ to save 30% on your yearly membership.  Subscription boxes are all the rave (we get it, they are FUN!) and we’ve developed one for the recruiting process that comes with 1:1 support in our new Set for Success Membership! Every Month as Member You Get to Choose from One of the Following for Support: 🖥️ 1:1 ADVISING CALL with either Sonja, Jessie or Susan from the NXTVB team. 🎥 HIGHLIGHT FILM professionally produced and done for you. 🗣️ OUR TARGETED TAKE with detailed feedback on one specific part of your process, so it's worth your time and effort! 😎 PLUS SEASONAL OFFER...

    27分

  8. 4月2日

    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 Quick shoutout to our podcast sponsor University Athlete. The only volleyball-exclusive recruiting platform used by 95% of college coaches. It’s where athletes get seen, get evaluated, and get recruited. Plus it's free and only takes a couple of minutes to activate your profile.  Click the link below to claim your free profile. CLAIM YOUR FREE PROFILE HERE If you decide you want to upgrade to the All-Access pass be sure to use the code ‘NXTVB30’ to save 30% on your yearly membership.  Subscription boxes are all the rave (we get it, they are FUN!) and we’ve developed one for the recruiting process that comes with 1:1 support in our new Set for Success Membership! Every Month as Member You Get to Choose from One of the Following for Support: 🖥️ 1:1 ADVISING CALL with either Sonja, Jessie or Susan from the NXTVB team. 🎥 HIGHLIGHT FILM professionally produced and done for you. 🗣️ OUR TARGETED TAKE with detailed feedback on one specific part of your process, so it's worth your time and effort! 😎 PLUS SEASONAL OFFER...

    28分
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予告編

番組について

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.

情報

  • クリエイター
    Susan Forbes | Volleyball Recruiting
  • 配信期間
    25年 - 26年
  • エピソード
    47
  • 制限指定
    不適切な内容を含まない
  • Copyright
    © 2026 NXTVB
  • 番組のWebサイト
    NXTVB

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