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

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.

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Every Month as Member You Get to Choose from One of the Following for Support:

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