What if your athlete didn’t wait until college to build her NIL,  but arrived on campus already prepared, confident, and visible? In this episode of the NXTVB Podcast, Susan sits down with Rebecca Martinez, former collegiate volleyball player, strength and conditioning coach, and social media strategist working directly with elite volleyball athletes in the NIL space.

Together, they break down what NIL really looks like behind the scenes — not the highlight reels you see online, but the mindset, strategy, and consistency that actually create opportunity. This conversation is a must-listen for athletes and parents who want to understand how social media, personal brand, and confidence intersect with recruiting, college athletics, and long-term success.

Chapters

00:00 – Why this NIL conversation matters

02:00 – Rebecca’s volleyball and NIL journey

04:30 – What NIL actually is (and what it’s not)

07:00 – Why athletes shouldn’t wait until college to think about NIL

10:00 – Common social media mistakes athletes make

13:00 – Why follower count doesn’t equal opportunity

16:00 – Storytelling, voiceovers, and building real connection

19:30 – What brands actually look for in NIL partnerships

22:30 – Why local brands are a great starting point

25:00 – Confidence, fear, and showing up before you feel ready

28:00 – Being seen vs being marketable

31:00 – How NIL can benefit both the athlete and the program

34:00 – Final advice for athletes and parents navigating NIL

To learn more about working with Rebecca to build your athlete's following organically 👇🏼

EMAIL [email protected]

Follow:

Rebecca on Instagram @rebeccaamartinez

Gigi Artiles on Instagram @gigi.artiles

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...

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...

Why do college coaches really ghost athletes in their inbox? In Part 1 of this two-part deep dive, Susan and Jessie break down the hidden reasons athletes get ignored — straight from Jessie’s firsthand experience as a former D1 athlete and partner of a long-time D1 recruiting coordinator.

From understanding a coach’s year-round workload to recognizing when your target list is too ambitious, this episode gives athletes and families the honest truth about why they’re not hearing back. You’ll learn what coaches actually look for when they open their inbox, how evaluations really happen, and how to assess whether your recruiting strategy is aligned or completely off-track.

If your athlete is emailing and hearing nothing but silence, this episode will change the way you approach the process.

Chapters

00:00 – Welcome + intro to today’s topic

01:00 – Meet Jessie and her transfer story 

04:40 – What athletes don’t understand about coaching careers

06:30 – How coaching responsibilities impact email response times

10:30 – Why being “busy” is a very real factor in ghosting

13:00 – The year-long recruiting and coaching cycle no one talks about

16:00 – Why athletes think they’re being ignored

17:00 – Reason 1: Missing key components in an email

19:00 – Reason 2: Your highlight film isn't helping you

22:00 – Reason 3: Asking for a call before you’ve earned it

25:00 – Reason 4: You're emailing too early (and NCAA rules matter)

27:45 – Reason 5: Top athletes still need to signal interest

29:00 – Why coaches almost never call athletes who never emailed them

30:40 – Different recruiting timelines for different divisions

32:00 – Why two athletes with the same ability may hear back at different times

33:30 – The mindset shift athletes need during ghosting

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...

Welcome to Part 2, where Susan and three experienced college coaches dive straight into the tactical side of recruiting: emails, communication, social media, red flags, and how athletes can stand out in a crowded recruiting landscape.

In this episode, Kevin, Todd, and Jessie reveal exactly what gets their attention, the mistakes that cause them to stop evaluating an athlete, what they really do with highlight videos, and how athletes can build trust through consistent communication.

They also unpack showcases, timelines, parents stepping in at the wrong moments, and the difference between being seen and actually being recruitable.

If your athlete wants to be noticed — and remembered — this conversation is your playbook.

Chapters

00:00 – Welcome back to Part 2

01:00 – What makes a standout email to a college coach

03:45 – How often athletes should be emailing

05:30 – Red flags that instantly get athletes removed from a list

08:00 – How coaches evaluate highlight videos

11:30 – Instagram: what coaches check (and what they ignore)

14:45 – Exposure vs readiness: what families mix up

17:30 – Showcases: what actually matters

20:00 – Athlete-led vs parent-led communication

22:30 – When parents should step in

25:00 – What memorable athletes consistently do

28:00 – Real stories from past recruits

31:00 – How to stand out at tournaments

34:00 – Final advice for athletes navigating the process

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...

What do college coaches really talk about when they’re evaluating athletes? What frustrates them? What impresses them? And what actually makes a recruit stand out?

In Part 1 of this rare, behind-the-scenes conversation, Susan brings together Kevin, Todd, and Jessie — three experienced college coaches with insight from both the women’s and men’s volleyball world.

They share the honest, unfiltered truths most families never hear: why communication matters more than talent, why athletes often misunderstand visibility, what coaches actually notice first, and how confidence or doubt shows up long before an athlete steps on the court.

If your athlete is preparing for June 15, navigating club season, or trying to get on a coach’s radar, this episode will give you clarity you can’t get anywhere else.

Chapters

00:00 – Welcome back + intro to Part 1

01:30 – Meet Kevin, Todd, and Jessie

04:00 – How each coach ended up in college volleyball

06:30 – Men’s vs women’s recruiting: what’s actually different

08:00 – What coaches notice first in a recruit (and it’s not stats)

10:30 – Are athletes really “overlooked"? Coaches tell the truth

13:00 – Why athletes wait for validation — and why that hurts recruiting

15:30 – Club volleyball changes that impact recruiting

18:00 – What coaches wish every family understood

20:45 – Confidence, identity, and how athletes hold themselves back

23:30 – Social media: helpful tool or misguided distraction?

26:00 – Early red flags coaches pick up on

29:00 – Closing thoughts + preview of Part 2

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...

In Part 2 of Susan’s deep-dive with national champion coaches Kim Cherniss and Danny Scott, they unpack the realities of D2 scholarships, the modern transfer landscape, and why so many athletes are finding their best fit outside of Division I.

Kim and Danny explain how scholarship budgets actually work, what families often misunderstand about financial packages, and why public vs. private school cost matters more than division. They also talk openly about the transfer portal, why D1-to-D2 transfers are on the rise, and how athletes can build a college experience that balances academics, athletics, and life.

If you’re a parent trying to understand scholarships — or an athlete exploring where you’ll thrive on and off the court — this episode gives practical clarity you won’t find anywhere else.

Chapters

00:00 – Why D1 athletes transfer to D2 and thrive

03:00 – How to evaluate whether a school is the right fit

06:00 – The transfer portal’s impact on recruiting

08:30 – Why “sticking it out” still matters

10:00 – How D2 scholarship budgets really work

13:00 – Public vs. private schools: true cost comparison

15:30 – Life balance: D2 as the “middle ground” athletes love

18:00 – Parents: how to support without overpowering

21:00 – The importance of athlete-led communication

23:00 – “You’re the shopper” mindset shift

25:30 – Practical advice for managing scholarship conversations

28:00 – Quickfire Q&A: emails, social media, showcases & more

32:00 – Final takeaways on building the best college experience

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...

If you think Division II volleyball is “second-best,” this episode will completely shift your perspective.

In Part 1 of this special two-part series, Susan sits down with national champion coaches Kim Cherniss and Danny Scott from Cal State San Bernardino to break down the real gap between D1 and D2 — and why it’s much smaller than most families think.

Kim and Danny share what truly matters in the college experience, why longevity and culture outweigh “shiny logos,” and the characteristics athletes need to thrive at the Division II level. Their insights from decades of coaching are eye-opening for parents and athletes navigating recruiting with assumptions or misinformation.

If your athlete is exploring different divisions — or if you’ve ever questioned what “fit” really means — this conversation is a must-listen.

Chapters

00:00 – Meet Kim Cherniss & Danny Scott: national champions with decades of experience

03:00 – What makes their coaching partnership work

06:30 – Why consistency and longevity matter more than prestige

09:00 – The gap between D1 and D2: what families misunderstand

12:00 – What type of athlete thrives at the D2 level

15:00 – Real examples of athletes who found their perfect fit

18:30 – Why recruiting is about culture, not logos

20:30 – Athletes who chose D2 over D1 — and why it worked

24:00 – What coaches actually look for in recruits

28:00 – How physicality and skill differ across divisions

32:00 – Final thoughts: why D2 is far more competitive than people think

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...

Before you hit “send” on another email to a college coach, pause. Do you actually know if those schools are the right fit for you  athletically, academically, and personally?

This episode is a little different. You’re getting a special preview of the Recruit Ready®️ Launch program, where Susan walks athletes and families through the exact steps to build a strong foundation for recruiting success. In this sneak peek, you’ll learn how to create a target school list that helps you stand out, stay consistent, and move forward with confidence.

You’ll hear why most athletes get stuck in “trial-and-error mode,” what it means to think strategically, and how two simple approaches: the Strict List and the 5-20-10 Method, can completely reshape your recruiting journey.

Whether you’re just getting started or trying to reboot your process, this episode helps you move from chaos to clarity, with a plan that actually works.

Chapters

00:00 – Introduction to NXT VB Podcast

02:00 – The biggest mistake families make when starting recruiting

05:30 – Why strategy matters more than volume

09:00 – Two proven ways to build your target list

10:00 – The “Strict List” strategy explained

15:45 – How the 5-20-10 Method maximizes opportunity

18:00 – Reading your recruiting data and pivoting with purpose

22:30 – The mindset that separates consistent athletes from burnt-out ones

23:45 – Your next steps to officially launch your recruiting journey

Join the Recruit Ready®️ Launch waitlist here: stan.store/heysusank/p/rrlwait

Watch the Launch Preview Video

https://us06web.zoom.us/clips/share/nFbAuHekQnuEz-Gc3E0sSw

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...

Before you invest in another camp, showcase, or private lesson, ask yourself: Is my daughter building her own path—or am I paving it for her?

In this episode, Susan helps you spot the difference between “wannabe ballers” (kids walking the golden road their parents paved) and “budding ballers” (athletes laying each brick of their journey themselves). You’ll learn the six key signs that show your athlete is ready to own her recruiting process—and what to do if she’s not there yet.

This is a reality check for parents who want to support their daughters the right way: by handing them the bricks, not building the entire road.

Chapters

00:00 – Introduction to NXT VB Podcast

03:00 – The two kinds of athletes: wannabe vs. budding ballers

05:30 – Why parents need to stop paving the golden road

09:30 – Six things to see before investing in recruiting

10:00 – #1: She watches college volleyball

10:45 – #2: She thrives in competitive environments

12:30 – #3: She’s not afraid to watch herself play

16:45 – #4: She’s open to visiting college campuses

20:00 – #5: She’s achieving her potential in the classroom

23:15 – #6: She’s excited about her future

26:30 – The reflection moment for parents

28:15 – When to pull back and let her lead

29:30 – Introducing Recruit Ready Launch

33:00 – Why clarity comes before commitment

34:15 – Final takeaways and encouragement for parents

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...

Most families start their recruiting journey by jumping straight into action—sending emails, posting highlight reels, and signing up for every camp they can find. But without a real plan, all that effort can leave you spinning your wheels.

In this episode of the NXTVB Podcast, Susan breaks down what athletes and parents often miss before trying to get “exposure.” She explains why having a solid recruiting foundation matters more than chasing visibility, and what that foundation actually looks like.

You’ll see where most families go wrong and how to shift from staying busy to being effective. You’ll understand what to focus on first, how to target schools that actually fit, and what it takes to build a process that saves you time, money, and frustration.

By the end, you’ll have more clarity on what needs to happen before you start chasing offers, and how to take control of your recruiting journey with purpose and direction.

Chapters

00:00 – Introduction to NXT VB Podcast

01:00 – Spinning Your Wheels in Recruiting

03:30 – Why Exposure Alone Isn’t Enough

06:00 – Building a Foundation That Works

08:30 – From Busy to Effective

11:00 – Targeting Schools That Actually Fit

13:30 – The Power of Having a Plan

16:00 – Avoiding the “Do It All” Trap

18:30 – Creating Clarity and Direction

21:00 – Recruit Ready Launch Invitation 

23:00 – Closing Thoughts & Next Steps

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...