2: Must Have Conversation Before Commitment

In this episode, Susan pulls back the curtain on the real reason families struggle during the college volleyball journey: misaligned expectations between parents and athletes.Before the offers, visits, and commitments come in, you need clarity on who decides what, how much college really costs, and what matters most to your daughter’s future. Susan walks you through the most important conversations to have before the pressure hits—so your athlete feels supported, confident, and ready to lead her own process.Chapters 00:00 – The #1 issue that silently derails recruiting01:30 – What really goes wrong when parents + athletes aren’t aligned02:50 – Who’s making the decision—and does everyone know it?04:30 – The money talk: budget, scholarships, and hard truths06:15 – D1, D2, NAIA, D3: what you need to know about aid08:30 – Boundaries vs. flexibility—setting the right expectations10:00 – Defining fit: values, location, team culture, and more11:00 – Communication matters more than talent—here’s why13:00 – Why parents doing “too much” hurts your athlete15:25 – The power of messy action + why it gets results17:45 – Prestige vs. alignment: what really leads to long-term success20:00 – Helping your athlete choose for herself (not for the brand)22:30 – What a united team at home looks like24:00 – How to get expert support inside NXTVBConnect 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.