13: The Real Competition in Recruiting (It’s Not Other Athletes)

Every athlete worries about competition, but what if the biggest obstacle in the recruiting process isn’t another player across the net?In this week’s episode of the NXTVB Podcast, Susan breaks down one of the most overlooked truths in college recruiting: your daughter’s real competition is time and herself. From the unique culture of privacy in volleyball recruiting to why families often misjudge who their athlete is “up against,” Susan reframes what athletes and parents should actually be focusing on.You’ll learn why comparing yourself to teammates can hold you back, how to maximize the limited recruiting window, and why building belief and taking consistent action are more important than trying to be the “right fit” for every program.If you’ve ever felt stuck, behind, or unsure about how to stand out, this episode will give you the clarity and perspective to approach recruiting with confidence and strategy.Chapters00:00 Introduction to NXT VB Podcast00:00 – Grounded & Gritty: Kicking Off the Conversation02:00 – The Culture of Privacy in Volleyball Recruiting05:30 – The Myth of Teammates as Competition07:00 – Why Direct Competition Rarely Exists12:00 – The World’s Best Peach: Finding Your Fit14:00 – The Real Competition in Recruiting15:00 – Racing Against Time18:00 – Facing Your Toughest Opponent: Yourself22:00 – Building Belief Through Action26:00 – Shifting Focus: Time + Self Over Others27:00 – Introducing Recruit Ready Launch30:30 – Final Takeaways & Next StepsConnect with Susan:Check out the website: www.nxtvb.comFollow on Instagram + TikTok: @hey.susankwww.rallysend.comLooking for a better way to stay organized and manage your recruiting? Check out www.rallysend.com—our go-to recruiting software for athletes, families, and clubs. It streamlines communication with college coaches, saves hours on recruiting outreach, and helps you stay ahead of the biggest challenge in the recruiting process: time.Use code HEYSUSAN to save $5/month on a monthly subscription or $50 off an annual plan.