Best Susan Forbes | Volleyball Recruiting Podcasts (2025)

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12: The Realities of D1 Volleyball (What No One Talks About) 40:49

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5h ago40:49

40:49

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…

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11: Finding the Right Fit in an Unexpected Place (Real Recruiting Stories Part 3) 14:50

14d ago14:50

14:50

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 t…

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10: She Decommitted… and It Changed Everything (Part 2, Real Recruiting Stories) 14:03

23d ago14:03

14:03

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…

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9: How One Athlete Turned a “Maybe” Into a Full Roster Spot (Part 1, Real Recruiting Stories) 18:31

28d ago18:31

18:31

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 m…

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8: Recruiting Secrets Every Athlete Should Know — Insights from a D1 Coach 45:01

1M ago45:01

45:01

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. Whethe…

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7: This One Thought Is Sabotaging Your Recruiting Journey 24:07

2M ago24:07

24:07

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 …

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6: The Story Behind NXTVB: How I Found My Way Back to Volleyball 25:43

2M ago25:43

25:43

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 …

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Bonus Episode: What No One Tells You About Mindset + Recruiting (IG Live Replay) 48:22

3M ago48:22

48:22

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…

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5: Should You Switch Clubs? The Truth About Choosing Your Team for Next Season 28:29

3M ago28:29

28:29

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 in…

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Bonus Episode: College Camps at Clubs — Are They Worth It? (IG Live Replay) 47:39

3M ago47:39

47:39

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…

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4: How to Make the Right Recruiting Decision (And Actually Feel Good About It) 19:58

3M ago19:58

19:58

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 chan…

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Bonus Episode: Get to Know Michelle from Prep Dig CA (IG Live Replay) 54:26

3M ago54:26

54:26

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 di…

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1: Changes to D1 VB Recruiting and What You Need to Know 23:44

4M ago23:44

23:44

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 recru…

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2: Must Have Conversation Before Commitment 22:19

4M ago22:19

22:19

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. Susa…

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3: What You Need to Know About Top Prospects 19:49

4M ago19:49

19:49

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…

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Welcome to the NXTVB Podcast! 0:45

4M ago0:45

0:45

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 a…