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...

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...

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...