10: She Decommitted… and It Changed Everything (Part 2, Real Recruiting Stories)

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.Chapters00:00 – The muddy middle: why recruiting rarely feels perfect02:30 – The lake + island analogy: what the process is really like05:00 – Why the “mud” creates doubt and second-guessing06:15 – Meet Kelsey: her junior year recruiting journey08:30 – First full-ride offer vs. holding out for her dream school10:30 – Committing to her second-choice school11:00 – When her coach left — and why she decommitted12:30 – How roster movement creates new opportunities13:45 – The dream school reappears (and makes an offer)15:00 – Why the mud isn’t failure, it’s the middle16:00 – Encouragement for athletes in the messy middleConnect with Susan:Check out the website: www.nxtvb.comFollow on Instagram + TikTok: @hey.susankQuick 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 HEREIf 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...