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 highlight reel. Whether you're a parent, player, or coach, this episode is packed with insights on how to stand out—and how Michelle’s storytelling-first approach is making a difference for athletes nationwide.

Chapters:

00:00 – Meet Michelle: How she got into volleyball + PrepDig
 03:00 – From athlete to scout: Michelle’s unique journey
 05:30 – Building visibility for athletes who often get overlooked
 08:45 – Content strategy: How she captures, edits, and posts so much
 12:00 – A day in the life at a tournament
 15:00 – What makes her write-ups different (and why coaches care)
 18:00 – How she stays energized and organized at 12-hour events
 21:00 – What athletes don’t realize about getting featured
 24:00 – Tips for athletes from smaller towns or low-profile clubs
 26:30 – Why Instagram bios matter more than you think
 28:00 – Should your recruiting profile be private? (Hint: no)
 31:00 – How to practice interview skills + what not to say
 35:00 – Warm-up mindset + how to stand out on the bench
 38:00 – No perfect path: Why everyone’s recruiting journey is different
 42:00 – The impact of female representation in volleyball media
 47:00 – How to support PrepDig and stay visible year-round

What You’ll Learn:

• What college coaches are really looking for
• Why having a volleyball Instagram is useless if it's private
• How to use your warm-ups, social media, and personality as recruiting tools
• Why storytelling—and not stats—is what separates great athletes
• The real behind-the-scenes life of a volleyball content creator

Connect with Michell on IG:  @prepdigca and @coachable247
Visit: www.prepdig.com

🚀 Recruit Ready Launch: Start Strong. Keep Things Easy. Get Recruited.

The foundation for offers and opportunities in the college volleyball recruiting process starts here.

Recruit Ready: Launch is for the families who want to have exactly what they need to effective in the process and get their daughter recruited.

Enrollment Opens in November.

Join the waitlist for priority access to join once enrollment opens in November (spots will be limited!) as well as the opportunity to choose from a variety of bonuses worth over $250!

Learn more here: https://nxtvb.com/rr-launch

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.