19: The Recruiting Conversations You Never Get to Hear (Part 1)

What do college coaches really talk about when they’re evaluating athletes? What frustrates them? What impresses them? And what actually makes a recruit stand out?In Part 1 of this rare, behind-the-scenes conversation, Susan brings together Kevin, Todd, and Jessie — three experienced college coaches with insight from both the women’s and men’s volleyball world.They share the honest, unfiltered truths most families never hear: why communication matters more than talent, why athletes often misunderstand visibility, what coaches actually notice first, and how confidence or doubt shows up long before an athlete steps on the court.If your athlete is preparing for June 15, navigating club season, or trying to get on a coach’s radar, this episode will give you clarity you can’t get anywhere else.Chapters00:00 – Welcome back + intro to Part 101:30 – Meet Kevin, Todd, and Jessie04:00 – How each coach ended up in college volleyball06:30 – Men’s vs women’s recruiting: what’s actually different08:00 – What coaches notice first in a recruit (and it’s not stats)10:30 – Are athletes really “overlooked"? Coaches tell the truth13:00 – Why athletes wait for validation — and why that hurts recruiting15:30 – Club volleyball changes that impact recruiting18:00 – What coaches wish every family understood20:45 – Confidence, identity, and how athletes hold themselves back23:30 – Social media: helpful tool or misguided distraction?26:00 – Early red flags coaches pick up on29:00 – Closing thoughts + preview of Part 2Connect 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.