In Part 2 of this inbox-focused series, Susan and Jessie uncover the realities most athletes never consider when they get ghosted. From a target list that’s too ambitious, to software that prevents coaches from replying, to knowing when repeated silence means it’s time to adjust — this episode is the clearest guide you’ll find on how to course-correct your recruiting strategy.

You’ll also learn how to read open rates and link clicks, how to use Productive Recruit to identify alignment, and how to write emails that coaches actually want to open. This is a must-listen for any athlete serious about building real traction in their process.

Chapters

00:00 – Intro to Part 2 

00:30 – The “hard truth” about aiming too high

02:00 – How to read your email traction using Productive Recruit

03:00 – When repeated ghosting means it’s time to pivot

04:40 – Why static target lists create stuck athletes

06:00 – Why D1 silence doesn’t always mean “no”

07:00 – The hidden problem with some recruiting software

09:00 – Why some emails never get delivered to a coach’s inbox

11:00 – When to keep emailing (and when to stop)

12:30 – The power of consistent email trends over time

14:00 – Why some coaches won’t reply even if they like you

15:30 – When a “no” really means stop emailing

17:00 – The right call-to-action for every email

18:00 – How to stand out in a flooded inbox

19:00 – Rapid-fire: What coaches want in an email

21:30 – Why authenticity matters more than stats

23:00 – Final advice: messy action beats perfect strategy

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...