NXTVB

What if June 15th wasn't a verdict on your future, but just one date on a much longer calendar?
With June 15th approaching, Susan goes solo to reframe how athletes and families are thinking about the most hyped-up day in volleyball recruiting. She breaks down what June 15th actually is (and isn't), why most athletes won't have a dramatic recruiting breakthrough on that single day, and the silent stories athletes start telling themselves when the day doesn't unfold the way they imagined.
Drawing on a concept from her mentor Brooke Castillo, Susan walks through how to make decisions ahead of time about who you want to be, how you want to show up, and what you'll focus on whether things go well or not. She also offers a powerful reframe for any athlete who's been measuring her worth by outcomes instead of actions, and shares the drops-in-a-bucket framework that reminds you why your success in this process is inevitable as long as you don't give up.
If June 15th has been weighing on your family, this episode is the deep breath you didn't know you needed before opening day.
Chapters
00:00 – What June 15th actually is
02:00 – June 15th is a day, not a verdict
03:30 – The stories we let June 15th mean about us
04:30 – Making decisions ahead of time
06:00 – Disappointment isn't defeat
07:00 – You didn't fail, you just guessed wrong
08:00 – Evaluating yourself by actions, not outcomes
09:30 – The small wins worth celebrating
11:00 – Drops in a bucket: why success is inevitable
13:30 – What to remember if June 15th doesn't go your way

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 separates a recruiting call that lands an offer from one that gets quietly forgotten?
In this episode, Susan welcomes back Ben and Nancy Somera, the married coaching duo leading programs at Wesleyan University (Division III) and Fairfield University (Division I). This time, they go deeper into what's actually happening behind the scenes of the recruiting process, from the chase for the "D1 label" to the phone calls that often decide who gets an offer.
Ben and Nancy break down what real fit looks like, why "going D1" shouldn't be the driving force behind any recruit's decision, and what athletes can learn from the difference between a winning program and a losing one. They walk through the recruiting calls coaches actually want to have (and the questions that waste everyone's time), the personality cues they pick up on, how their timelines differ at the D1 and D3 levels, the rushed-offer culture around June 15th, and what the new roster limits and fifth-year eligibility rules really mean for the next few recruiting classes.
If you're heading into June 15th, prepping for your first call with a college coach, or trying to figure out if you're chasing the right schools, this conversation is a must.
About the Guests:
Ben and Nancy Somera bring a unique perspective to the college volleyball world, having coached together at the Division I level before now leading successful programs at different divisions in Connecticut. Nancy is the head coach at Fairfield University, where she has quickly built one of the top mid-major programs in the country with multiple MAAC Championships and NCAA Tournament appearances. Ben is the head coach at Wesleyan University, where he has turned the Cardinals into a national Division III contender with multiple NESCAC titles and consistent NCAA Tournament success. Together, the Someras have decades of coaching experience across Division I and Division III volleyball and are widely respected for their ability to build winning cultures, develop athletes, and navigate the evolving recruiting landscape. Their perspective on talent overlap between divisions, recruiting, and what truly creates a great college experience makes for an insightful and timely conversation for athletes and families alike.
Chapters
00:00 – Why winning culture matters
05:00 – PB&J: passion, bravery, and joy
08:30 – The Power 4 chase vs. finding real fit
13:00 – Inside the recruiting call
17:30 – Doing your homework before you dial
19:00 – Personality, presence, and being yourself
23:30 – D1 vs. D3 recruiting timelines
26:00 – Qualifying coach interest before you wait
28:30 – June 15th, rushed offers, and the camp economy
33:00 – Roster limits and the fifth-year shift
Connect with Ben and Nancy:

Instagram: Wesleyan University Volleyball
Website: Wesleyan University Volleyball
Instagram: Fairfield Volleyball
Website: Fairfield Volleyball

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 if everything you've been told about the gap between D1 and D3 volleyball is missing the bigger picture?
In this episode, Susan sits down with Ben and Nancy Somera, a married coaching duo leading programs at two different division levels. Ben is the head coach at Wesleyan University (Division III), and Nancy is the head coach at Fairfield University (Division I). Together, they offer a rare side-by-side look at what coaching, recruiting, and competing actually look like at each level.
Ben and Nancy break down the real differences (and surprising similarities) between D1 and D3 volleyball, from season length and summer commitments to practice intensity, major restrictions, and the perceived talent gap between divisions. They also share how they build winning cultures without burning their athletes out, where their recruiting actually overlaps, and why finding a coach who supports your full college experience may matter more than the division letter on the jersey.
If you've ever assumed D1 and D3 are worlds apart, this episode will give you a more honest, behind-the-scenes look at how recruiting really works.
About the Guests:
Ben and Nancy Somera bring a unique perspective to the college volleyball world, having coached together at the Division I level before now leading successful programs at different divisions in Connecticut. Nancy is the head coach at Fairfield University, where she has quickly built one of the top mid-major programs in the country with multiple MAAC Championships and NCAA Tournament appearances. Ben is the head coach at Wesleyan University, where he has turned the Cardinals into a national Division III contender with multiple NESCAC titles and consistent NCAA Tournament success. Together, the Someras have decades of coaching experience across Division I and Division III volleyball and are widely respected for their ability to build winning cultures, develop athletes, and navigate the evolving recruiting landscape. Their perspective on talent overlap between divisions, recruiting, and what truly creates a great college experience makes for an insightful and timely conversation for athletes and families alike.

Chapters
00:00 – Meeting Ben & Nancy
03:30 – Daily life as D1 vs. D3 head coaches
08:00 – Time commitment and season length
13:00 – Internships, summers, and balance
18:00 – Why burned-out athletes don't perform
24:00 – The athletes who thrive in both gyms
29:00 – Where D1 and D3 recruiting overlaps
33:30 – Strength, conditioning, and the fifth-year shift
37:00 – Choosing nursing, pre-med, and other rigorous majors
44:00 – Building a winning culture
Connect with Ben and Nancy:

Instagram: Wesleyan University Volleyball
Website: Wesleyan University Volleyball
Instagram: Fairfield Volleyball
Website: Fairfield Volleyball
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 if the “best” recruiting path isn’t the one everyone else is chasing?
In this episode, Susan sits down with professional volleyball player Kenzie Foley to talk about her journey from Division II volleyball to playing professionally overseas in Germany.
Kenzie shares why she chose the Division II route over lower-level Division I opportunities, how she found the right fit during recruiting, and why focusing on growth and development mattered more to her than labels. They also discuss misconceptions around the different college divisions, balancing academics and athletics, and the importance of choosing a path that aligns with your goals.
Kenzie also opens up about transitioning to the professional level, adapting to the overseas game, and the mindset that helped her continue proving herself at every stage of her career.
If you’ve ever questioned whether there’s only one “right” path in recruiting, this episode is a reminder that success can look a lot of different ways.
About the Guest:
Kenzie Foley is a professional volleyball player whose journey has been anything but linear. What once felt like rejection became redirection when her indoor collegiate volleyball career at St. Cloud State University ended sooner than expected. Instead of walking away from the sport, Kenzie took a leap of faith into beach volleyball at the University of Central Arkansas, a decision that unexpectedly led her back to the indoor game and ultimately to the start of her professional career in Germany’s Bundesliga. Through every setback, injury, and change of plans, Kenzie has learned that difficult moments often lead to the opportunities we are meant for all along. Her story is a reminder that success doesn’t always happen the way we imagine, but sometimes unfolds even better.
Chapters
00:00 – Kenzie’s volleyball journey
03:30 – Why she chose Division II
06:00 – Getting overlooked in recruiting
08:00 – Her path to playing professionally
10:00 – Confidence and proving yourself
13:00 – Her recruiting experience
16:00 – What makes Division II unique
20:00 – Academics, facilities, and balance
23:30 – Earning two college degrees
29:00 – Transitioning to pro volleyball
32:00 – Differences at the pro level
36:00 – Life playing overseas
41:00 – Finding the right fit
47:00 – Final advice for athletes

Connect with Kenzie:
Instagram: @kenziefoley08 
Tik Tok: @kenziefoley08 
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 could happen to volleyball recruiting if college athletes are given five full years of eligibility?
In this episode, Susan breaks down the NCAA’s proposed “5 years to play 5” rule and shares seven major ripple effects she believes could reshape the future of volleyball recruiting.
From fewer roster spots at top programs to the growing importance of Division III and junior college opportunities, Susan walks through how the recruiting landscape could become more competitive and more strategic for families navigating the process.
She also explains how roster limits, the transfer portal, international recruiting, and the rise of older, more experienced college athletes may impact recruiting timelines and opportunities for future classes.
This episode is not meant to create fear or panic, but instead help families think ahead, better understand the bigger picture, and make more informed recruiting decisions moving forward.
Chapters
00:00 – Understanding the proposed 5-year rule
01:45 – Fewer roster spots at top programs
08:15 – The talent trickle-down effect
11:30 – Why high academic D3s may benefit
19:30 – The growing value of junior college
23:00 – A higher level of college volleyball
26:30 – How the transfer portal may evolve
28:30 – The future of the student-athlete model
32:30 – International recruiting implications
34:30 – Final thoughts on the future of recruiting
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...