43: D1 vs D3 Volleyball, A Coaching Couple's Honest Take (Part 1)

43: D1 vs D3 Volleyball, A Coaching Couple's Honest Take (Part 1)

What if everything you've been told about the gap between D1 and D3 volleyball is missing the bigger picture? In this episode, Susan sits down with Ben and Nancy Somera, a married coaching duo leading programs at two different division levels. Ben is the head coach at Wesleyan University (Division III), and Nancy is the head coach at Fairfield University (Division I). Together, they offer a rare side-by-side look at what coaching, recruiting, and competing actually look like at each level. Ben and Nancy break down the real differences (and surprising similarities) between D1 and D3 volleyball, from season length and summer commitments to practice intensity, major restrictions, and the perceived talent gap between divisions. They also share how they build winning cultures without burning their athletes out, where their recruiting actually overlaps, and why finding a coach who supports your full college experience may matter more than the division letter on the jersey. If you've ever assumed D1 and D3 are worlds apart, this episode will give you a more honest, behind-the-scenes look at how recruiting really works. About the Guests: Ben and Nancy Somera bring a unique perspective to the college volleyball world, having coached together at the Division I level before now leading successful programs at different divisions in Connecticut. Nancy is the head coach at Fairfield University, where she has quickly built one of the top mid-major programs in the country with multiple MAAC Championships and NCAA Tournament appearances. Ben is the head coach at Wesleyan University, where he has turned the Cardinals into a national Division III contender with multiple NESCAC titles and consistent NCAA Tournament success. Together, the Someras have decades of coaching experience across Division I and Division III volleyball and are widely respected for their ability to build winning cultures, develop athletes, and navigate the evolving recruiting landscape. Their perspective on talent overlap between divisions, recruiting, and what truly creates a great college experience makes for an insightful and timely conversation for athletes and families alike. Chapters 00:00 – Meeting Ben & Nancy 03:30 – Daily life as D1 vs. D3 head coaches 08:00 – Time commitment and season length 13:00 – Internships, summers, and balance 18:00 – Why burned-out athletes don't perform 24:00 – The athletes who thrive in both gyms 29:00 – Where D1 and D3 recruiting overlaps 33:30 – Strength, conditioning, and the fifth-year shift 37:00 – Choosing nursing, pre-med, and other rigorous majors 44:00 – Building a winning culture Connect with Ben and Nancy: Instagram: Wesleyan University Volleyball [https://www.instagram.com/wesvolleyball/]Website: Wesleyan University Volleyball [https://athletics.wesleyan.edu/sports/womens-volleyball]Instagram: Fairfield Volleyball [https://www.instagram.com/stagsvb/]Website: Fairfield Volleyball [https://fairfieldstags.com/sports/womens-volleyball] Connect with Susan: Check out the website: www.nxtvb.com [https://nxtvb.com/]Follow on Instagram + TikTok: @hey.susank [https://www.instagram.com/hey.susank] Quick shoutout to our podcast sponsor University Athlete [http://www.universityathlete.com]. 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 HERE [http://www.universityathlete.com] If 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 [https://stan.store/heysusank/p/set-for-success-monthly-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...

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. Chapters 00:00 – Kenzie’s volleyball journey 03:30 – Why she chose Division II 06:00 – Getting overlooked in recruiting 08:00 – Her path to playing professionally 10:00 – Confidence and proving yourself 13:00 – Her recruiting experience 16:00 – What makes Division II unique 20:00 – Academics, facilities, and balance 23:30 – Earning two college degrees 29:00 – Transitioning to pro volleyball 32:00 – Differences at the pro level 36:00 – Life playing overseas 41:00 – Finding the right fit 47:00 – Final advice for athletes Connect with Kenzie: Instagram: @kenziefoley08  [https://www.instagram.com/kenziefoley08/] Tik Tok: @kenziefoley08  [https://www.tiktok.com/@kenziefoley08] Connect with Susan: Check out the website: www.nxtvb.com [https://nxtvb.com/]Follow on Instagram + TikTok: @hey.susank [https://www.instagram.com/hey.susank] Quick shoutout to our podcast sponsor University Athlete [http://www.universityathlete.com]. 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 HERE [http://www.universityathlete.com] If 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 [https://stan.store/heysusank/p/set-for-success-monthly-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...

41: What the 5-Year Eligibility Rule Means for Volleyball Recruiting

What could happen to volleyball recruiting if college athletes are given five full years of eligibility? In this episode, Susan breaks down the NCAA’s proposed “5 years to play 5” rule and shares seven major ripple effects she believes could reshape the future of volleyball recruiting. From fewer roster spots at top programs to the growing importance of Division III and junior college opportunities, Susan walks through how the recruiting landscape could become more competitive and more strategic for families navigating the process. She also explains how roster limits, the transfer portal, international recruiting, and the rise of older, more experienced college athletes may impact recruiting timelines and opportunities for future classes. This episode is not meant to create fear or panic, but instead help families think ahead, better understand the bigger picture, and make more informed recruiting decisions moving forward. Chapters 00:00 – Understanding the proposed 5-year rule 01:45 – Fewer roster spots at top programs 08:15 – The talent trickle-down effect 11:30 – Why high academic D3s may benefit 19:30 – The growing value of junior college 23:00 – A higher level of college volleyball 26:30 – How the transfer portal may evolve 28:30 – The future of the student-athlete model 32:30 – International recruiting implications 34:30 – Final thoughts on the future of recruiting Connect with Susan: Check out the website: www.nxtvb.com [https://nxtvb.com/]Follow on Instagram + TikTok: @hey.susank [https://www.instagram.com/hey.susank] Quick shoutout to our podcast sponsor University Athlete [http://www.universityathlete.com]. 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 HERE [http://www.universityathlete.com] If 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 [https://stan.store/heysusank/p/set-for-success-monthly-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...

Bonus Episode: June 15th Prep Club Preview

June 15th is a major milestone in volleyball recruiting, but most athletes spend years preparing physically without ever learning how to confidently handle conversations with college coaches. In this bonus episode, Susan gives families a behind-the-scenes look inside her June 15th Prep Club, a guided experience designed to help athletes feel calm, prepared, and confident going into recruiting conversations. You’ll hear part of a private Prep Club podcast episode featuring certified life coach Desi McPhail and former Division I athlete Jesse Borkin. Together, they break down why telling your story matters, how athletes can speak confidently about themselves without feeling awkward, and what coaches are actually looking for during recruiting calls.  They also discuss common first-call questions, how to prepare thoughtful responses, and why confidence and self-awareness can help athletes stand out in the recruiting process. If your athlete is part of the class of 2028 and preparing for June 15th, this episode will help you better understand how to approach the process with more clarity and confidence. ENROLL IN THE JUNE 15th PREP CLUB HERE [https://stan.store/heysusank/p/28pc] Chapters 00:00 – Why June 15th feels so important 01:15 – What the Prep Club is designed to do 02:30 – Why telling your story matters 04:30 – Meet Jesse and Desi 07:00 – What coaches notice during recruiting calls 08:45 – The idea behind an elevator pitch 10:00 – Common first-call questions 12:00 – How to answer confidently 14:00 – Giving coaches insight into who you are 15:45 – Confidence vs. sounding cocky 17:15 – Final thoughts on the Prep Club Connect with Susan: Check out the website: www.nxtvb.com [https://nxtvb.com/]Follow on Instagram + TikTok: @hey.susank [https://www.instagram.com/hey.susank] Quick shoutout to our podcast sponsor University Athlete [http://www.universityathlete.com]. 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 HERE [http://www.universityathlete.com] If 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 [https://stan.store/heysusank/p/set-for-success-monthly-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...

40: How the Recruiting Process Actually Works from a Coach’s Perspective (Part 2)

What does recruiting actually look like from the moment a coach sees your name to a final decision? In Part 2, Susan continues her conversation with Chad Koenegstein and Andrew Brown, breaking down how the Division III recruiting process works behind the scenes. They walk through the recruiting funnel, from crowded inboxes to narrowing down a class, and explain how coaches evaluate athletes, the role of visits, and why timing matters. You’ll also hear what athletes are doing well, what makes coaches’ jobs harder, and how being proactive with camps can help you stand out. Chad Koenegstein is the head coach at UC Santa Cruz and a former Colorado College assistant who helped lead three NCAA Tournament teams and coached eight All-Americans. Andrew Brown is the head coach at NYU, where he has built one of the top Division III programs with multiple NCAA Tournament runs and back-to-back Final Four appearances. Chapters 00:00 – Where recruiting starts: the inbox 01:00 – How many athletes coaches evaluate 03:00 – Narrowing down the recruiting funnel 05:00 – What makes athletes stand out 07:00 – The role of film, camps, and communication 09:00 – Why transparency matters in recruiting 10:30 – What athletes are doing right 12:00 – The role of parents in the process 14:00 – How to approach camps strategically 16:00 – Why camp experience matters 18:00 – Evaluating talent across divisions 20:00 – The overlap between D1, D2, and D3 23:00 – What coaches look for in the right fit Book Mentioned: Kids These Days: Effective Strategies for Coaching Gen Z and Beyond [https://www.amazon.com/Kids-These-Days-Effective-Strategies-ebook/dp/B0F6BSRF5J] Connect with Andrew: Website: https://gonyuathletics.com/sports/womens-volleyball Instagram: @nyuwomensvolley Connect with Chad Website: https://goslugs.com/sports/womens-volleyball Instagram: @ucsc_wvb Connect with Susan: Check out the website: www.nxtvb.com [https://nxtvb.com/]Follow on Instagram + TikTok: @hey.susank [https://www.instagram.com/hey.susank] Quick shoutout to our podcast sponsor University Athlete [http://www.universityathlete.com]. 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 HERE [http://www.universityathlete.com] If 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 [https://stan.store/heysusank/p/set-for-success-monthly-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...