NXTVB

Susan Forbes | Volleyball Recruiting
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  • VOLLEYBALL
  • EVERY TWO WEEKS

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. 13 HR AGO

    24: Why I Charge What I Charge: How I Think About Recruiting Support

    In this episode, Susan pulls back the curtain on something she rarely explains publicly: how she thinks about pricing, value, and the different levels of recruiting support at NXT VB. Fresh off a D3 high-academic camp weekend that reminded her why she loves this work, Susan shares the heart, intention, and ethics behind every “container” she offers, from free Instagram content, to Volleyball Recruiting School, to high-touch, long-term support. This episode is about transparency. It’s about trust. It’s about helping families understand what they’re actually paying for when they invest in recruiting support — and why pricing isn’t just about access, but also about sustainability, care, and results. If you’ve ever wondered why recruiting support is priced the way it is, how to choose the right level of help, or what ethical support should look like in this space, this conversation will bring clarity. Chapters 00:00 – Why Susan felt called to record this episode 01:00 – This episode is not coming from defensiveness 02:15 – Reputation, credibility, and why transparency matters 03:00 – Understanding “containers” and levels of support 03:30 – Container #1: Free content (Instagram, podcast, freebies) 05:00 – Why Instagram is a living resume, not an A-to-Z system 06:15 – The limits of free content and algorithm reality 06:30 – Container #2: Volleyball Recruiting School 07:45 – Why structure, timing, and curation matter 08:45 – Why this offer works best for freshmen and sophomores 09:45 – What families are really paying for in low-ticket education 10:45 – Container #3: Mid-ticket support (Recruit Ready Launch & Intensives) 12:00 – Evaluation, relativity, and finding true “fit” 13:15 – Why recruiting efficiency matters for athletes 14:30 – Highlight films, second opinions, and integrated support 15:45 – Container #4: Set for Success (high-touch, long-term support) 17:00 – Why advocacy is reserved for this level 18:30 – Trust with college coaches and protecting credibility 20:00 – Why Susan does not charge per call 21:15 – Avoiding dependency and empowering families instead 22:00 – Supply, demand, burnout, and sustainability 23:15 – Why NXT VB intentionally stays small 24:30 – Team values, trust, and who supports athletes behind the scenes 25:30 – How offers evolve without compromising values 26:15 – Education over pressure, clarity over fear 27:00 – Final reflections on trust, time Join Susan for a monthly recruiting lesson January-June inside the Volleyball Recruiting School! Become a subscriber here. Or register for January's class all about highlight film here! Click here for a discount on our go-to, and the hands-down best and most affordable Recruiting Tool + Software we recommend every baller has to increase her efficiency in all that she does 👉🏼 PRODUCTIVE RECRUIT Want to support your baller in getting her process started and have an experienced volleyball recruiting advisor walk her through it? Enroll in RECRUIT READY: LAUNCH 🚀 Need help getting unstuck in the recruiting process? Apply for a RECRUITING INTENSIVE. Connect with Susan: Check out the website: www.nxtvb.com Follow on Instagram: @hey.susank P.S. If you’re an athlete with big goals, a parent who wants to support the journey, or a coach who cares deeply about your players, this podcast was made for you. Hit subscribe and come grow with us.

    30 min

  2. 1 JAN

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

    What if your athlete didn’t wait until college to build her NIL,  but arrived on campus already prepared, confident, and visible? In this episode of the NXTVB Podcast, Susan sits down with Rebecca Martinez, former collegiate volleyball player, strength and conditioning coach, and social media strategist working directly with elite volleyball athletes in the NIL space. Together, they break down what NIL really looks like behind the scenes — not the highlight reels you see online, but the mindset, strategy, and consistency that actually create opportunity. This conversation is a must-listen for athletes and parents who want to understand how social media, personal brand, and confidence intersect with recruiting, college athletics, and long-term success. Chapters 00:00 – Why this NIL conversation matters 02:00 – Rebecca’s volleyball and NIL journey 04:30 – What NIL actually is (and what it’s not) 07:00 – Why athletes shouldn’t wait until college to think about NIL 10:00 – Common social media mistakes athletes make 13:00 – Why follower count doesn’t equal opportunity 16:00 – Storytelling, voiceovers, and building real connection 19:30 – What brands actually look for in NIL partnerships 22:30 – Why local brands are a great starting point 25:00 – Confidence, fear, and showing up before you feel ready 28:00 – Being seen vs being marketable 31:00 – How NIL can benefit both the athlete and the program 34:00 – Final advice for athletes and parents navigating NIL To learn more about working with Rebecca to build your athlete's following organically 👇🏼 EMAIL susan@nxtlevelvb.com Follow: Rebecca on Instagram @rebeccaamartinez Gigi Artiles on Instagram @gigi.artiles Join Susan for a monthly recruiting lesson January-June inside the Volleyball Recruiting School! Become a subscriber here. Or register for January's class all about highlight film here! Click here for a discount on our go-to, and the hands-down best and most affordable Recruiting Tool + Software we recommend every baller has to increase her efficiency in all that she does 👉🏼 PRODUCTIVE RECRUIT Want to support your baller in getting her process started and have an experienced volleyball recruiting advisor walk her through it? Enroll in RECRUIT READY: LAUNCH 🚀 Need help getting unstuck in the recruiting process? Apply for a RECRUITING INTENSIVE. Connect with Susan: Check out the website: www.nxtvb.com Follow on Instagram: @hey.susank P.S. If you’re an athlete with big goals, a parent who wants to support the journey, or a coach who cares deeply about your players, this podcast was made for you. Hit subscribe and come grow with us.

    59 min

  3. 23/12/2025

    22: Why Coaches Ghost Your Emails (Part 2): Target Lists, Software Issues & When to Pivot

    In Part 2 of this inbox-focused series, Susan and Jessie uncover the realities most athletes never consider when they get ghosted. From a target list that’s too ambitious, to software that prevents coaches from replying, to knowing when repeated silence means it’s time to adjust — this episode is the clearest guide you’ll find on how to course-correct your recruiting strategy. You’ll also learn how to read open rates and link clicks, how to use Productive Recruit to identify alignment, and how to write emails that coaches actually want to open. This is a must-listen for any athlete serious about building real traction in their process. Chapters 00:00 – Intro to Part 2  00:30 – The “hard truth” about aiming too high 02:00 – How to read your email traction using Productive Recruit 03:00 – When repeated ghosting means it’s time to pivot 04:40 – Why static target lists create stuck athletes 06:00 – Why D1 silence doesn’t always mean “no” 07:00 – The hidden problem with some recruiting software 09:00 – Why some emails never get delivered to a coach’s inbox 11:00 – When to keep emailing (and when to stop) 12:30 – The power of consistent email trends over time 14:00 – Why some coaches won’t reply even if they like you 15:30 – When a “no” really means stop emailing 17:00 – The right call-to-action for every email 18:00 – How to stand out in a flooded inbox 19:00 – Rapid-fire: What coaches want in an email 21:30 – Why authenticity matters more than stats 23:00 – Final advice: messy action beats perfect strategy Join Susan for a monthly recruiting lesson January-June inside the Volleyball Recruiting School! Become a subscriber here. Or register for January's class all about highlight film here! Click here for a discount on our go-to, and the hands-down best and most affordable Recruiting Tool + Software we recommend every baller has to increase her efficiency in all that she does 👉🏼 PRODUCTIVE RECRUIT Want to support your baller in getting her process started and have an experienced volleyball recruiting advisor walk her through it? Enroll in RECRUIT READY: LAUNCH 🚀 Need help getting unstuck in the recruiting process? Apply for a RECRUITING INTENSIVE. Connect with Susan: Check out the website: www.nxtvb.com Follow on Instagram: @hey.susank P.S. If you’re an athlete with big goals, a parent who wants to support the journey, or a coach who cares deeply about your players, this podcast was made for you. Hit subscribe and come grow with us.

    20 min

  4. 18/12/2025

    21: Why Coaches Ghost Your Emails (Part 1)

    Why do college coaches really ghost athletes in their inbox? In Part 1 of this two-part deep dive, Susan and Jessie break down the hidden reasons athletes get ignored — straight from Jessie’s firsthand experience as a former D1 athlete and partner of a long-time D1 recruiting coordinator. From understanding a coach’s year-round workload to recognizing when your target list is too ambitious, this episode gives athletes and families the honest truth about why they’re not hearing back. You’ll learn what coaches actually look for when they open their inbox, how evaluations really happen, and how to assess whether your recruiting strategy is aligned or completely off-track. If your athlete is emailing and hearing nothing but silence, this episode will change the way you approach the process. Chapters 00:00 – Welcome + intro to today’s topic 01:00 – Meet Jessie and her transfer story  04:40 – What athletes don’t understand about coaching careers 06:30 – How coaching responsibilities impact email response times 10:30 – Why being “busy” is a very real factor in ghosting 13:00 – The year-long recruiting and coaching cycle no one talks about 16:00 – Why athletes think they’re being ignored 17:00 – Reason 1: Missing key components in an email 19:00 – Reason 2: Your highlight film isn't helping you 22:00 – Reason 3: Asking for a call before you’ve earned it 25:00 – Reason 4: You're emailing too early (and NCAA rules matter) 27:45 – Reason 5: Top athletes still need to signal interest 29:00 – Why coaches almost never call athletes who never emailed them 30:40 – Different recruiting timelines for different divisions 32:00 – Why two athletes with the same ability may hear back at different times 33:30 – The mindset shift athletes need during ghosting Join Susan for a monthly recruiting lesson January-June inside the Volleyball Recruiting School! Become a subscriber here. Or register for January's class all about highlight film here! Click here for a discount on our go-to, and the hands-down best and most affordable Recruiting Tool + Software we recommend every baller has to increase her efficiency in all that she does 👉🏼 PRODUCTIVE RECRUIT Want to support your baller in getting her process started and have an experienced volleyball recruiting advisor walk her through it? Enroll in RECRUIT READY: LAUNCH 🚀 Need help getting unstuck in the recruiting process? Apply for a RECRUITING INTENSIVE. Connect with Susan: Check out the website: www.nxtvb.com Follow on Instagram: @hey.susank P.S. If you’re an athlete with big goals, a parent who wants to support the journey, or a coach who cares deeply about your players, this podcast was made for you. Hit subscribe and come grow with us.

    40 min

  5. 11/12/2025

    20: Inside College Volleyball Recruiting — Emails, Red Flags & Real Talk (Part 2)

    Welcome to Part 2, where Susan and three experienced college coaches dive straight into the tactical side of recruiting: emails, communication, social media, red flags, and how athletes can stand out in a crowded recruiting landscape. In this episode, Kevin, Todd, and Jessie reveal exactly what gets their attention, the mistakes that cause them to stop evaluating an athlete, what they really do with highlight videos, and how athletes can build trust through consistent communication. They also unpack showcases, timelines, parents stepping in at the wrong moments, and the difference between being seen and actually being recruitable. If your athlete wants to be noticed — and remembered — this conversation is your playbook. Chapters 00:00 – Welcome back to Part 2 01:00 – What makes a standout email to a college coach 03:45 – How often athletes should be emailing 05:30 – Red flags that instantly get athletes removed from a list 08:00 – How coaches evaluate highlight videos 11:30 – Instagram: what coaches check (and what they ignore) 14:45 – Exposure vs readiness: what families mix up 17:30 – Showcases: what actually matters 20:00 – Athlete-led vs parent-led communication 22:30 – When parents should step in 25:00 – What memorable athletes consistently do 28:00 – Real stories from past recruits 31:00 – How to stand out at tournaments 34:00 – Final advice for athletes navigating the process Join Susan for a monthly recruiting lesson January-June inside the Volleyball Recruiting School! Become a subscriber here. Or register for January's class all about highlight film here! Click here for a discount on our go-to, and the hands-down best and most affordable Recruiting Tool + Software we recommend every baller has to increase her efficiency in all that she does 👉🏼 PRODUCTIVE RECRUIT Want to support your baller in getting her process started and have an experienced volleyball recruiting advisor walk her through it? Enroll in RECRUIT READY: LAUNCH 🚀 Need help getting unstuck in the recruiting process? Apply for a RECRUITING INTENSIVE. Connect with Susan: Check out the website: www.nxtvb.com Follow on Instagram: @hey.susank P.S. If you’re an athlete with big goals, a parent who wants to support the journey, or a coach who cares deeply about your players, this podcast was made for you. Hit subscribe and come grow with us.

    38 min

  6. 04/12/2025

    19: The Recruiting Conversations You Never Get to Hear (Part 1)

    What do college coaches really talk about when they’re evaluating athletes? What frustrates them? What impresses them? And what actually makes a recruit stand out? In Part 1 of this rare, behind-the-scenes conversation, Susan brings together Kevin, Todd, and Jessie — three experienced college coaches with insight from both the women’s and men’s volleyball world. They share the honest, unfiltered truths most families never hear: why communication matters more than talent, why athletes often misunderstand visibility, what coaches actually notice first, and how confidence or doubt shows up long before an athlete steps on the court. If your athlete is preparing for June 15, navigating club season, or trying to get on a coach’s radar, this episode will give you clarity you can’t get anywhere else. Chapters 00:00 – Welcome back + intro to Part 1 01:30 – Meet Kevin, Todd, and Jessie 04:00 – How each coach ended up in college volleyball 06:30 – Men’s vs women’s recruiting: what’s actually different 08:00 – What coaches notice first in a recruit (and it’s not stats) 10:30 – Are athletes really “overlooked"? Coaches tell the truth 13:00 – Why athletes wait for validation — and why that hurts recruiting 15:30 – Club volleyball changes that impact recruiting 18:00 – What coaches wish every family understood 20:45 – Confidence, identity, and how athletes hold themselves back 23:30 – Social media: helpful tool or misguided distraction? 26:00 – Early red flags coaches pick up on 29:00 – Closing thoughts + preview of Part 2 Join Susan for a monthly recruiting lesson January-June inside the Volleyball Recruiting School! Become a subscriber here. Or register for January's class all about highlight film here! Click here for a discount on our go-to, and the hands-down best and most affordable Recruiting Tool + Software we recommend every baller has to increase her efficiency in all that she does 👉🏼 PRODUCTIVE RECRUIT Want to support your baller in getting her process started and have an experienced volleyball recruiting advisor walk her through it? Enroll in RECRUIT READY: LAUNCH 🚀 Need help getting unstuck in the recruiting process? Apply for a RECRUITING INTENSIVE. Connect with Susan: Check out the website: www.nxtvb.com Follow on Instagram: @hey.susank P.S. If you’re an athlete with big goals, a parent who wants to support the journey, or a coach who cares deeply about your players, this podcast was made for you. Hit subscribe and come grow with us.

    37 min

  7. 20/11/2025

    18: Inside D2 Volleyball — Scholarships, Transfers & Life in Balance (Part 2)

    In Part 2 of Susan’s deep-dive with national champion coaches Kim Cherniss and Danny Scott, they unpack the realities of D2 scholarships, the modern transfer landscape, and why so many athletes are finding their best fit outside of Division I. Kim and Danny explain how scholarship budgets actually work, what families often misunderstand about financial packages, and why public vs. private school cost matters more than division. They also talk openly about the transfer portal, why D1-to-D2 transfers are on the rise, and how athletes can build a college experience that balances academics, athletics, and life. If you’re a parent trying to understand scholarships — or an athlete exploring where you’ll thrive on and off the court — this episode gives practical clarity you won’t find anywhere else. Chapters 00:00 – Why D1 athletes transfer to D2 and thrive 03:00 – How to evaluate whether a school is the right fit 06:00 – The transfer portal’s impact on recruiting 08:30 – Why “sticking it out” still matters 10:00 – How D2 scholarship budgets really work 13:00 – Public vs. private schools: true cost comparison 15:30 – Life balance: D2 as the “middle ground” athletes love 18:00 – Parents: how to support without overpowering 21:00 – The importance of athlete-led communication 23:00 – “You’re the shopper” mindset shift 25:30 – Practical advice for managing scholarship conversations 28:00 – Quickfire Q&A: emails, social media, showcases & more 32:00 – Final takeaways on building the best college experience Join Susan for a monthly recruiting lesson January-June inside the Volleyball Recruiting School! Become a subscriber here. Or register for January's class all about highlight film here! Click here for a discount on our go-to, and the hands-down best and most affordable Recruiting Tool + Software we recommend every baller has to increase her efficiency in all that she does 👉🏼 PRODUCTIVE RECRUIT Want to support your baller in getting her process started and have an experienced volleyball recruiting advisor walk her through it? Enroll in RECRUIT READY: LAUNCH 🚀 Need help getting unstuck in the recruiting process? Apply for a RECRUITING INTENSIVE. Connect with Susan: Check out the website: www.nxtvb.com Follow on Instagram: @hey.susank P.S. If you’re an athlete with big goals, a parent who wants to support the journey, or a coach who cares deeply about your players, this podcast was made for you. Hit subscribe and come grow with us.

    38 min

  8. 13/11/2025

    17: Stop Calling D2 “Second-Best” — These Coaches Will Change Your Mind (Part 1)

    If you think Division II volleyball is “second-best,” this episode will completely shift your perspective. In Part 1 of this special two-part series, Susan sits down with national champion coaches Kim Cherniss and Danny Scott from Cal State San Bernardino to break down the real gap between D1 and D2 — and why it’s much smaller than most families think. Kim and Danny share what truly matters in the college experience, why longevity and culture outweigh “shiny logos,” and the characteristics athletes need to thrive at the Division II level. Their insights from decades of coaching are eye-opening for parents and athletes navigating recruiting with assumptions or misinformation. If your athlete is exploring different divisions — or if you’ve ever questioned what “fit” really means — this conversation is a must-listen. Chapters 00:00 – Meet Kim Cherniss & Danny Scott: national champions with decades of experience 03:00 – What makes their coaching partnership work 06:30 – Why consistency and longevity matter more than prestige 09:00 – The gap between D1 and D2: what families misunderstand 12:00 – What type of athlete thrives at the D2 level 15:00 – Real examples of athletes who found their perfect fit 18:30 – Why recruiting is about culture, not logos 20:30 – Athletes who chose D2 over D1 — and why it worked 24:00 – What coaches actually look for in recruits 28:00 – How physicality and skill differ across divisions 32:00 – Final thoughts: why D2 is far more competitive than people think Join Susan for a monthly recruiting lesson January-June inside the Volleyball Recruiting School! Become a subscriber here. Or register for January's class all about highlight film here! Click here for a discount on our go-to, and the hands-down best and most affordable Recruiting Tool + Software we recommend every baller has to increase her efficiency in all that she does 👉🏼 PRODUCTIVE RECRUIT Want to support your baller in getting her process started and have an experienced volleyball recruiting advisor walk her through it? Enroll in RECRUIT READY: LAUNCH 🚀 Need help getting unstuck in the recruiting process? Apply for a RECRUITING INTENSIVE. Connect with Susan: Check out the website: www.nxtvb.com Follow on Instagram: @hey.susank P.S. If you’re an athlete with big goals, a parent who wants to support the journey, or a coach who cares deeply about your players, this podcast was made for you. Hit subscribe and come grow with us.

    29 min
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About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Susan Forbes | Volleyball Recruiting
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    28
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 NXTVB
  • Show Website
    NXTVB