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 her own process.
Chapters
00:00 – The #1 issue that silently derails recruiting
01:30 – What really goes wrong when parents + athletes aren’t aligned
02:50 – Who’s making the decision—and does everyone know it?
04:30 – The money talk: budget, scholarships, and hard truths
06:15 – D1, D2, NAIA, D3: what you need to know about aid
08:30 – Boundaries vs. flexibility—setting the right expectations
10:00 – Defining fit: values, location, team culture, and more
11:00 – Communication matters more than talent—here’s why
13:00 – Why parents doing “too much” hurts your athlete
15:25 – The power of messy action + why it gets results
17:45 – Prestige vs. alignment: what really leads to long-term success
20:00 – Helping your athlete choose for herself (not for the brand)
22:30 – What a united team at home looks like
24:00 – How to get expert support inside NXTVB
Join Susan for a monthly recruiting lesson January-June inside the Volleyball Recruiting School! Become a subscriber here. Or register for January's class all about highlight film here!
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Want to support your baller in getting her process started and have an experienced volleyball recruiting advisor walk her through it? Enroll in RECRUIT READY: LAUNCH 🚀
Need help getting unstuck in the recruiting process? Apply for a RECRUITING INTENSIVE.
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.
