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 loved all along, Kelsey’s story proves that the muddy middle isn’t a sign of failure — it’s just part of the process.

If you’ve ever felt stuck, uncertain, or tempted to give up, this episode will encourage you to keep going. Because, as Susan reminds us, success in recruiting always goes to the girl who wants it the most.

Chapters

00:00 – The muddy middle: why recruiting rarely feels perfect

02:30 – The lake + island analogy: what the process is really like

05:00 – Why the “mud” creates doubt and second-guessing

06:15 – Meet Kelsey: her junior year recruiting journey

08:30 – First full-ride offer vs. holding out for her dream school

10:30 – Committing to her second-choice school

11:00 – When her coach left — and why she decommitted

12:30 – How roster movement creates new opportunities

13:45 – The dream school reappears (and makes an offer)

15:00 – Why the mud isn’t failure, it’s the middle

16:00 – Encouragement for athletes in the messy middle

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.

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 manager instead of a roster spot, Emily faced a choice: walk away, or step in and keep working toward her dream.

Her decision, relentless effort, and unshakable belief turned what looked like a setback into an incredible opportunity, earning her a full roster spot and a chance to thrive at the college level.

This episode is a reminder that while the recruiting process can feel uncertain, your success is inevitable if you don’t give up.

Chapters

00:00 – Why every recruiting journey looks different

02:30 – The messy middle nobody sees on Instagram

04:45 – Why “your success is inevitable if you don’t give up”

07:20 – The dartboard analogy: what recruiting really looks like

09:40 – Meet Emily: her unique offer and non-traditional path

12:35 – How Emily outworked expectations (and earned trust fast)

14:55 – From manager to roster spot: how she turned it around

16:30 – The bigger lesson: control what you can, believe in yourself

19:30 – Closing thoughts & how this story can guide your journey

The Recruit Ready Intensive is our signature 1:1 program designed to help your athlete build confidence, clarify her next steps, and walk away with a clear recruiting game plan. For a limited time, enrollment includes a FREE pro highlight reel from Lumen Highlights ($200 value). Tap the link in the show notes to get started.

Click HERE for Recruit Ready

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.

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. Whether you’re in the Class of 2027 or already deep in the process, this conversation will help you approach your recruiting journey with confidence and strategy.

Chapters

00:00 – Meet Coach Montoya + his journey to becoming Head Coach at CSUN
02:30 – How recruiting differs between D1, D2, and D3
05:15 – What coaches really look for in highlight videos
08:00 – The difference between interest and a real recruiting relationship
10:45 – Email mistakes that get athletes ignored
13:00 – How much academics really matter
15:30 – Why personality and communication skills are huge for recruiting
18:15 – The impact of social media on recruiting decisions
21:00 – When to follow up with coaches (and how often)
24:00 – Why playing at the right level matters more than chasing a logo
27:15 – The best way to stand out at showcases and tournaments
30:00 – How to know if a program is truly the right fit for you
32:45 – Coach Montoya’s final advice to athletes and parents

Connect with Coach Montoya

Instagram: @aquilesthethird

CSUN IG: @csunwomensvb

Website: https://gomatadors.com/sports/womens-volleyball

The Recruit Ready Intensive is our signature 1:1 program designed to help your athlete build confidence, clarify her next steps, and walk away with a clear recruiting game plan. For a limited time, enrollment includes a FREE pro highlight reel from Lumen Highlights ($200 value). Tap the link in the show notes to get started.

Click HERE for Recruit Ready

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.