This is the episode that explains it all.
Why volleyball. Why mindset. Why Susan.

In this heartfelt solo episode, Susan opens up about the real journey behind the NXTVB Podcast and coaching platform. From resigning from a top club director role to almost starting an interior design business—and how a trip to Magnolia, a mindset breakthrough, and a $21K life coaching investment led her right back to volleyball.

You’ll hear how Susan’s own experiences as a D1 athlete, coach, mom, and entrepreneur shaped her passion for helping girls not only get recruited—but also become the version of themselves who can thrive in life at the next level.

This is the full-circle moment, and the foundation of everything NXTVB stands for.

Chapters:

00:00 – From Dallas to Waco: how Joanna Gaines sparked this story
02:00 – Why Susan almost became an interior designer
03:30 – Resigning from her dream volleyball job during COVID
06:00 – When the weight loss journey led to a mindset breakthrough
08:45 – Discovering coaching tools that changed everything
10:30 – The turning point: student-athlete mental health in the headlines
12:00 – The moment Susan knew she needed to help athletes
13:45 – The $21K life coaching certification (and why it was worth it)
15:30 – How her academic background tied into athlete development
18:00 – Why she didn’t end up working in athletic departments
19:30 – Coaching, club roles, motherhood, and staying in the game
21:00 – Why mindset work and recruiting go hand in hand
23:30 – The mission of NXTVB: it’s not just about getting recruited
24:30 – The real reward: becoming the version of you who can do hard things
26:00 – What to expect on this podcast moving forward

Connect with Susan:
Check out the website: www.heysusank.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.

You can have the skills, the highlight film, and the emails — but if your mindset isn’t right, none of it sticks.

In this powerful conversation, Susan brings on Desi, a certified mindset and performance coach and former college middle blocker, to break down what most athletes miss about confidence, handling disappointment, and navigating the mental side of recruiting.

They talk about why burying your emotions backfires, how to actually process disappointment (instead of pretending it’s fine), and why learning to fall in love with the process will change everything — on and off the court.

Whether you’re a top recruit or just trying to make your club team, this episode is a must-listen if you want to play your best under pressure and build the skills that last far beyond volleyball.

Chapters:

00:00 – Meet Desi + why mindset matters
02:00 – Desi’s story: from headcase to certified mindset coach
05:30 – The difference between venting and real change
08:00 – Why positivity alone isn’t enough
10:00 – How to acknowledge disappointment without losing hope
13:30 – The power of asking why you aren’t a 10
16:00 – The 50/50 principle + how it applies to recruiting
19:30 – Understanding dopamine highs and lows
22:00 – Why celebrating small wins trains your brain for success
25:00 – How to prep before talking with coaches
28:00 – Getting out of “prove mode” and back to having fun
32:00 – Why coaches love athletes who create positive energy
35:00 – Final thoughts: focus on who you become, not just what you achieve

Connect with Susan:
Check out the website: www.heysusank.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.

Thinking about switching clubs? Read this before you jump.

In this episode, Susan breaks down the mindset and strategy behind deciding whether to stick with your current club or look for a new one. With tryouts coming up, it’s one of the biggest choices you’ll make for your volleyball journey — and Susan wants to help you get it right.

She dives into why there is no “perfect” club, how to balance playing time with long-term growth, and why sometimes the harder path might be the one that builds you into the strongest player. Susan also shares key insights on exposure, tournaments, and recruiting impact so you can weigh your options with confidence instead of stress.

Chapters:

00:00 – Welcome + why club decisions feel so big

02:00 – Volleyball vs. other sports: why club contracts change everything

04:00 – The 50/50 rule and why no club is perfect

06:30 – The myth of “if I switch, it will be easier”

09:00 – Who you become through challenge

11:00 – Playing time vs. growth — how to weigh it

13:30 – Susan’s personal story about choosing a harder path

16:00 – Exposure: what it actually means for recruiting

18:30 – The tournaments that matter most for college coaches

20:00 – Playing up or down: what coaches really think

22:30 – How to set expectations with your club experience

25:00 – Final advice for families making club decisions

Connect with Susan:
Check out the website: www.heysusank.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.