14: The Foundation Every Athlete Needs to Get Recruited

Most families start their recruiting journey by jumping straight into action—sending emails, posting highlight reels, and signing up for every camp they can find. But without a real plan, all that effort can leave you spinning your wheels.In this episode of the NXTVB Podcast, Susan breaks down what athletes and parents often miss before trying to get “exposure.” She explains why having a solid recruiting foundation matters more than chasing visibility, and what that foundation actually looks like.You’ll see where most families go wrong and how to shift from staying busy to being effective. You’ll understand what to focus on first, how to target schools that actually fit, and what it takes to build a process that saves you time, money, and frustration.By the end, you’ll have more clarity on what needs to happen before you start chasing offers, and how to take control of your recruiting journey with purpose and direction.Chapters00:00 – Introduction to NXT VB Podcast01:00 – Spinning Your Wheels in Recruiting03:30 – Why Exposure Alone Isn’t Enough06:00 – Building a Foundation That Works08:30 – From Busy to Effective11:00 – Targeting Schools That Actually Fit13:30 – The Power of Having a Plan16:00 – Avoiding the “Do It All” Trap18:30 – Creating Clarity and Direction21:00 – Recruit Ready Launch Invitation 23:00 – Closing Thoughts & 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.