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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.
17 Episodes
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Every athlete worries about competition, but what if the biggest obstacle in the recruiting process isn’t another player across the net? In this week’s episode of the NXTVB Podcast, Susan breaks down one of the most overlooked truths in college recruiting: your daughter’s real competition is time and herself. From the unique culture of privacy in volleyball recruiting to why families often misjudge who their athlete is “up against,” Susan reframes what athletes and parents should actually be ...
Every athlete dreams of going D1, but what does it actually take, and what does life really look like once you get there? In this episode of the NXTVB Podcast, Susan breaks down the realities of playing Division I volleyball, from the five-month grind of the season to the hidden time commitments no one talks about. She also explains the differences between Power 4 programs, Top 50 schools, and mid-majors, and why understanding these categories is crucial when building your recruit...
Every athlete dreams of playing at the highest level — but the real win is finding the place where you can truly thrive. In this final episode of the Real Recruiting Stories mini-series, Susan shares Sally’s journey. Labeled “undersized,” Sally chased Division I dreams and, like so many athletes, would have loved to play D1 if the opportunity was there. But when the calls didn’t come, she found herself building strong connections with high-academic D3 programs instead. Then came the unexpecte...
In Part 2 of the Real Recruiting Stories mini-series, Susan shares Kelsey’s journey, a rollercoaster recruiting process full of setbacks, detours, and unexpected turns that ultimately led her exactly where she was meant to be. From committing to her second-choice school, to decommitting after a coaching change, to finally landing at the program she loved all along, Kelsey’s story proves that the muddy middle isn’t a sign of failure — it’s just part of the process. If you’ve ever felt st...
Welcome to the Real Recruiting Stories mini-series, where we highlight the behind-the-scenes journeys of athletes navigating the ups and downs of the college recruiting process. In this first episode, Susan shares Emily’s inspiring path, a story that proves success isn’t always straightforward. After being offered a non-traditional role as a team manager instead of a roster spot, Emily faced a choice: walk away, or step in and keep working toward her dream. Her decision, relentless effo...
In this episode, Susan sits down with Aquiles Montoya, Head Coach at Cal State Northridge, to pull back the curtain on the recruiting process. From what catches a coach’s eye, to how they evaluate players, to the biggest mistakes athletes make in their emails, Coach Montoya gives candid, insider advice you won’t find on a recruiting website. Whether you’re in the Class of 2027 or already deep in the process, this conversation will help you approach your recruiting journey with confidence and ...
It’s not your skills, your stats, or your schedule. It’s the thought you keep believing. In this episode, Susan reveals the real reason athletes stay stuck, spiral into self-doubt, and lose momentum during the recruiting process, and it has nothing to do with talent. She breaks down the mindset model that changed her life and now helps her clients build lasting confidence, recover from rejection, and show up like the next-level version of themselves. You’ll hear how one single thought can imp...
This is the episode that explains it all. Why volleyball. Why mindset. Why Susan. In this heartfelt solo episode, Susan opens up about the real journey behind the NXTVB Podcast and coaching platform. From resigning from a top club director role to almost starting an interior design business—and how a trip to Magnolia, a mindset breakthrough, and a $21K life coaching investment led her right back to volleyball. You’ll hear how Susan’s own experiences as a D1 athlete, coach, mom, and entrepren...
You can have the skills, the highlight film, and the emails — but if your mindset isn’t right, none of it sticks. In this powerful conversation, Susan brings on Desi, a certified mindset and performance coach and former college middle blocker, to break down what most athletes miss about confidence, handling disappointment, and navigating the mental side of recruiting. They talk about why burying your emotions backfires, how to actually process disappointment (instead of pretending it’s fine),...
Thinking about switching clubs? Read this before you jump. In this episode, Susan breaks down the mindset and strategy behind deciding whether to stick with your current club or look for a new one. With tryouts coming up, it’s one of the biggest choices you’ll make for your volleyball journey — and Susan wants to help you get it right. She dives into why there is no “perfect” club, how to balance playing time with long-term growth, and why sometimes the harder path might be the one that...
College camps at clubs are booming — but are they really the recruiting goldmine everyone says they are? In this episode, Susan teams up with Brett from Tribe Volleyball to break down exactly what athletes, parents, and coaches need to know about these camps. From how college coaches actually evaluate, to how athletes should prepare, to whether the cost is truly worth it, you’ll get real, behind-the-scenes insight on what these camps deliver (and what they don’t). They cover why some camps co...
Making a decision about your future shouldn’t feel like pressure—it should feel like power. In this episode, Susan walks athletes and families through one of the most pivotal parts of the recruiting journey: how to make a decision you won’t regret. Whether you're weighing D1 offers, choosing between club teams, or wondering if it’s too late to change your mind—this is the mindset shift you’ve been missing. Learn how to separate desire from obligation, tune out external noise, and get clear on...
What does it really take to get noticed in the volleyball world—and what happens behind the scenes of the videos, write-ups, and rankings? In this special bonus episode, Susan sits down with Michelle Gardner, PrepDig California scout, writer, and volleyball superfan, to talk about what it’s like to be on the front lines of athlete exposure. They dive into everything from social media tips and Instagram bios to tournament prep, content creation, and the power of visibility beyond your highligh...
June 15 isn’t just another date—it’s a defining moment in your volleyball recruiting journey. Whether you're one of the top athletes in the country or still working your way up, this episode will help you set realistic expectations, understand what’s normal (and what’s not), and avoid the emotional rollercoaster that can hit hard when calls, offers, or silence arrive. Host Susan Forbes breaks down the two types of D1 prospects, what happens before and after June 15, and why playing the long g...
In this episode, Susan pulls back the curtain on the real reason families struggle during the college volleyball journey: misaligned expectations between parents and athletes. Before the offers, visits, and commitments come in, you need clarity on who decides what, how much college really costs, and what matters most to your daughter’s future. Susan walks you through the most important conversations to have before the pressure hits—so your athlete feels supported, confident, and ready to lead...
The D1 volleyball recruiting landscape has changed, and if you're navigating the process as an athlete, parent, or coach, it's critical to stay ahead of the curve. In this premiere episode of the NXTVB Podcast, host Susan Forbes, former Division 1 athlete, coach, and certified life coach, breaks down the biggest shifts shaping NCAA volleyball recruiting today. From updated NCAA timelines and the June 15th contact rule to the real impact of NIL deals and the transfer portal, Susan unpacks ever...
Welcome to the NXTVB Podcast, the ultimate resource for rising volleyball athletes, supportive parents, and forward-thinking coaches navigating the next level of the game. Hosted by former Division 1 athlete, college coach, and certified life coach Susan Forbes, this show dives into the heart of volleyball recruiting, NIL changes, and the college athletics experience. Each episode delivers valuable insight, real stories, and actionable strategies to help athletes thrive on and off the court. ...
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