Talent might open the door, but mindset determines who stays.

In Part 1 of this powerful conversation, Susan sits down with Sonja Anderson to unpack what actually separates athletes who rise to the top from those who stall out, even when talent levels are similar.

Sonja’s journey spans every level of the game — from small-town high school volleyball to Division I All-American, 12 years playing professionally overseas, and competing with Team USA on the international stage. What kept her evolving wasn’t just skill, but the mental framework she built along the way.

Together, Susan and Sonja explore how mindset develops across each stage of an athlete’s career, why confidence alone isn’t enough, and how athletes can learn to adapt when the game gets harder and the margins get smaller.

This episode is essential listening for athletes who want longevity in the sport — and for parents who want to understand what truly supports growth beyond physical ability.

Chapters

00:00 – Introduction to the mindset conversation

01:30 – Sonja’s early volleyball journey

04:30 – Moving from small environments to elite competition

07:30 – When talent stops being the separator

10:00 – The mental shift required at higher levels

13:00 – Confidence vs mental durability

16:00 – Learning to adapt as the game gets faster

18:45 – Why discomfort signals growth

21:30 – What breaks athletes mentally as competition increases

24:00 – Parental support vs pressure

26:30 – Why mindset must evolve with skill

Connect with Sonja:

Instagram: @_sonjaanderson

Bio on Website: https://nxtvb.com/about

Join Susan for a monthly recruiting lesson January-June inside the Volleyball Recruiting School! Become a subscriber here. Or register for January's class all about highlight film here!

Click here for a discount on our go-to, and the hands-down best and most affordable Recruiting Tool + Software we recommend every baller has to increase her efficiency in all that she does 👉🏼 PRODUCTIVE RECRUIT

Want to support your baller in getting her process started and have an experienced volleyball recruiting advisor walk her through it? Enroll in RECRUIT READY: LAUNCH 🚀

Need help getting unstuck in the recruiting process? Apply for a RECRUITING INTENSIVE.

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 Part 2, Susan and Meredith move from experience to decision-making.They unpack how recruiting actually works across Ivy League, mid-major, and Power Four programs — including timelines, academic expectations, scholarships, financial aid, NIL, and rev share.

Meredith explains the Ivy League academic index, why recruiting timelines move differently, and common misconceptions that cause families to rule out options too early. They also compare needs-based aid and scholarships, and explain why “more money” doesn’t always equal a better fit. This episode gives families clarity and language to make smarter, more grounded recruiting decisions — without panic, pressure, or comparison.

Chapters

00:00 – Which athletes thrive in different D1 environments

03:00 – Power Four athlete traits vs Ivy League athlete traits

06:00 – Independence, pressure, and compartmentalization

09:30 – Recruiting priorities beyond volleyball skill

12:00 – Evaluating potential vs current level

14:30 – The Ivy League academic index explained

18:00 – Recruiting timelines and calculated risks

21:00 – Common Ivy League misconceptions

23:30 – Financial aid vs athletic scholarships

27:00 – Why Ivy League schools may be more affordable than expected

30:30 – Power Four scholarships, rev share, and NIL

34:00 – NIL vs rev share explained simply

37:30 – Choosing based on values, not hype

40:30 – “Would you still go there without volleyball?”

43:30 – Why recruiting is a marathon, not a sprint

46:30 – Final advice for athletes and families

Join Susan for a monthly recruiting lesson January-June inside the Volleyball Recruiting School! Become a subscriber here. Or register for January's class all about highlight film here!

Click here for a discount on our go-to, and the hands-down best and most affordable Recruiting Tool + Software we recommend every baller has to increase her efficiency in all that she does 👉🏼 PRODUCTIVE RECRUIT

Want to support your baller in getting her process started and have an experienced volleyball recruiting advisor walk her through it? Enroll in RECRUIT READY: LAUNCH 🚀

Need help getting unstuck in the recruiting process? Apply for a RECRUITING INTENSIVE.

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.

Division I volleyball isn’t one experience — and treating it like it is can lead families down the wrong path.

In Part 1 of this two-part conversation, Susan sits down with Meredith Schamun, a Division I coach who has coached at the Ivy League, mid-major, and Power Four levels. Meredith brings a rare, behind-the-scenes perspective on what actually separates these environments beyond the label of “D1.”

They break down how time commitments, training windows, academic priorities, and daily expectations differ across Ivy League and Power Four programs — and why many athletes are surprised by what Division I really demands. This episode helps families zoom out and understand the landscape before making assumptions about where an athlete will truly thrive.

Chapters

00:00 – Why Division I is not one experience

02:00 – Meredith’s coaching journey across D1 environments

05:00 – How Ivy League volleyball compares to other D1 programs

08:15 – Time commitments: Ivy League vs Power Four

11:00 – Summer training and reporting differences

14:00 – Shorter seasons and limited training windows

17:00 – What surprises athletes most about Ivy League volleyball

20:30 – Power Four expectations and daily demands

23:30 – Adjusting as a freshman at a Power Four program

26:30 – Travel, holidays, and life balance

29:30 – Independence and self-management at each level

33:00 – Who tends to thrive in Ivy League environments

36:30 – Who thrives in Power Four environments

39:30 – Pressure, expectations, and culture differences

Join Susan for a monthly recruiting lesson January-June inside the Volleyball Recruiting School! Become a subscriber here. Or register for January's class all about highlight film here!

Click here for a discount on our go-to, and the hands-down best and most affordable Recruiting Tool + Software we recommend every baller has to increase her efficiency in all that she does 👉🏼 PRODUCTIVE RECRUIT

Want to support your baller in getting her process started and have an experienced volleyball recruiting advisor walk her through it? Enroll in RECRUIT READY: LAUNCH 🚀

Need help getting unstuck in the recruiting process? Apply for a RECRUITING INTENSIVE.

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.