6: The Story Behind NXTVB: How I Found My Way Back to Volleyball

This is the episode that explains it all. Why volleyball. Why mindset. Why Susan.In this heartfelt solo episode, Susan opens up about the real journey behind the NXTVB Podcast and coaching platform. From resigning from a top club director role to almost starting an interior design business—and how a trip to Magnolia, a mindset breakthrough, and a $21K life coaching investment led her right back to volleyball.You’ll hear how Susan’s own experiences as a D1 athlete, coach, mom, and entrepreneur shaped her passion for helping girls not only get recruited—but also become the version of themselves who can thrive in life at the next level.This is the full-circle moment, and the foundation of everything NXTVB stands for.Chapters:00:00 – From Dallas to Waco: how Joanna Gaines sparked this story02:00 – Why Susan almost became an interior designer03:30 – Resigning from her dream volleyball job during COVID06:00 – When the weight loss journey led to a mindset breakthrough08:45 – Discovering coaching tools that changed everything10:30 – The turning point: student-athlete mental health in the headlines12:00 – The moment Susan knew she needed to help athletes13:45 – The $21K life coaching certification (and why it was worth it)15:30 – How her academic background tied into athlete development18:00 – Why she didn’t end up working in athletic departments19:30 – Coaching, club roles, motherhood, and staying in the game21:00 – Why mindset work and recruiting go hand in hand23:30 – The mission of NXTVB: it’s not just about getting recruited24:30 – The real reward: becoming the version of you who can do hard things26:00 – What to expect on this podcast moving forwardConnect 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...