42: D2 to Pro Athlete - There's More Than One Way

What if the “best” recruiting path isn’t the one everyone else is chasing?In this episode, Susan sits down with professional volleyball player Kenzie Foley to talk about her journey from Division II volleyball to playing professionally overseas in Germany.Kenzie shares why she chose the Division II route over lower-level Division I opportunities, how she found the right fit during recruiting, and why focusing on growth and development mattered more to her than labels. They also discuss misconceptions around the different college divisions, balancing academics and athletics, and the importance of choosing a path that aligns with your goals.Kenzie also opens up about transitioning to the professional level, adapting to the overseas game, and the mindset that helped her continue proving herself at every stage of her career.If you’ve ever questioned whether there’s only one “right” path in recruiting, this episode is a reminder that success can look a lot of different ways.About the Guest:Kenzie Foley is a professional volleyball player whose journey has been anything but linear. What once felt like rejection became redirection when her indoor collegiate volleyball career at St. Cloud State University ended sooner than expected. Instead of walking away from the sport, Kenzie took a leap of faith into beach volleyball at the University of Central Arkansas, a decision that unexpectedly led her back to the indoor game and ultimately to the start of her professional career in Germany’s Bundesliga. Through every setback, injury, and change of plans, Kenzie has learned that difficult moments often lead to the opportunities we are meant for all along. Her story is a reminder that success doesn’t always happen the way we imagine, but sometimes unfolds even better.Chapters00:00 – Kenzie’s volleyball journey03:30 – Why she chose Division II06:00 – Getting overlooked in recruiting08:00 – Her path to playing professionally10:00 – Confidence and proving yourself13:00 – Her recruiting experience16:00 – What makes Division II unique20:00 – Academics, facilities, and balance23:30 – Earning two college degrees29:00 – Transitioning to pro volleyball32:00 – Differences at the pro level36:00 – Life playing overseas41:00 – Finding the right fit47:00 – Final advice for athletesConnect with Kenzie:Instagram: @kenziefoley08 Tik Tok: @kenziefoley08 Connect with Susan:Check out the website: www.nxtvb.comFollow on Instagram + TikTok: @hey.susankQuick shoutout to our podcast sponsor University Athlete. The only volleyball-exclusive recruiting platform used by 95% of college coaches. It’s where athletes get seen, get evaluated, and get recruited. Plus it's free and only takes a couple of minutes to activate your profile. Click the link below to claim your free profile.CLAIM YOUR FREE PROFILE HEREIf you decide you want to upgrade to the All-Access pass be sure to use the code ‘NXTVB30’ to save 30% on your yearly membership. Subscription boxes are all the rave (we get it, they are FUN!) and we’ve developed one for the recruiting process that comes with 1:1 support in our new Set for Success Membership!Every Month as Member You Get to Choose from One of the Following for Support:🖥️ 1:1 ADVISING CALL with either Sonja, Jessie or Susan from the NXTVB team.🎥 HIGHLIGHT FILM professionally produced and done for you.🗣️ OUR TARGETED TAKE with detailed feedback on one specific part of your process, so it's worth your time and effort! 😎 PLUS SEASONAL OFFER...