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