18: Inside D2 Volleyball — Scholarships, Transfers & Life in Balance (Part 2)

In Part 2 of Susan’s deep-dive with national champion coaches Kim Cherniss and Danny Scott, they unpack the realities of D2 scholarships, the modern transfer landscape, and why so many athletes are finding their best fit outside of Division I.Kim and Danny explain how scholarship budgets actually work, what families often misunderstand about financial packages, and why public vs. private school cost matters more than division. They also talk openly about the transfer portal, why D1-to-D2 transfers are on the rise, and how athletes can build a college experience that balances academics, athletics, and life.If you’re a parent trying to understand scholarships — or an athlete exploring where you’ll thrive on and off the court — this episode gives practical clarity you won’t find anywhere else.Chapters00:00 – Why D1 athletes transfer to D2 and thrive03:00 – How to evaluate whether a school is the right fit06:00 – The transfer portal’s impact on recruiting08:30 – Why “sticking it out” still matters10:00 – How D2 scholarship budgets really work13:00 – Public vs. private schools: true cost comparison15:30 – Life balance: D2 as the “middle ground” athletes love18:00 – Parents: how to support without overpowering21:00 – The importance of athlete-led communication23:00 – “You’re the shopper” mindset shift25:30 – Practical advice for managing scholarship conversations28:00 – Quickfire Q&A: emails, social media, showcases & more32:00 – Final takeaways on building the best college experienceConnect 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.