13: The Real Competition in Recruiting (It’s Not Other Athletes)

Every athlete worries about competition, but what if the biggest obstacle in the recruiting process isn’t another player across the net?

In this week’s episode of the NXTVB Podcast, Susan breaks down one of the most overlooked truths in college recruiting: your daughter’s real competition is time and herself. From the unique culture of privacy in volleyball recruiting to why families often misjudge who their athlete is “up against,” Susan reframes what athletes and parents should actually be focusing on.

You’ll learn why comparing yourself to teammates can hold you back, how to maximize the limited recruiting window, and why building belief and taking consistent action are more important than trying to be the “right fit” for every program.

If you’ve ever felt stuck, behind, or unsure about how to stand out, this episode will give you the clarity and perspective to approach recruiting with confidence and strategy.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to NXT VB Podcast

00:00 – Grounded & Gritty: Kicking Off the Conversation

02:00 – The Culture of Privacy in Volleyball Recruiting

05:30 – The Myth of Teammates as Competition

07:00 – Why Direct Competition Rarely Exists

12:00 – The World’s Best Peach: Finding Your Fit

14:00 – The Real Competition in Recruiting

15:00 – Racing Against Time

18:00 – Facing Your Toughest Opponent: Yourself

22:00 – Building Belief Through Action

26:00 – Shifting Focus: Time + Self Over Others

27:00 – Introducing Recruit Ready Launch

30:30 – Final Takeaways & Next Steps

Connect with Susan:
Check out the website: www.nxtvb.com
Follow on Instagram + TikTok: @hey.susank

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