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...

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...

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...

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...

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:

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 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

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...