What happens when your target list is too high?
In this episode, Susan breaks down one of the most important—and often misunderstood—parts of volleyball recruiting: targeting the right schools.
She explains what can happen when athletes build a list filled almost entirely with reach schools, from getting ignored by coaches to spending more time, money, and energy trying to get attention. That lack of response can start to affect an athlete’s confidence, mindset, and even how she performs on the court.
Susan also explains the positive cycle that happens when athletes target well. When coaches start responding, athletes gain confidence, create options, and can actually play more freely. And sometimes, that confidence and improved performance can even open the door to schools that once felt like reaches.
The conversation also explores why families should not overlook Division II volleyball. Susan shares why D2 can offer competitive volleyball, scholarship opportunities, strong coaching relationships, and another path to playing college volleyball—and why staying open to different levels can ultimately help athletes find the right fit.
If you’re building or questioning your target list, this episode will help you think differently about what it means to recruit strategically, create options, and take the pressure off.
Susan also shares information about the upcoming Division II College Coaches Camp in Petaluma, California, and how athletes can use opportunities like this to gain exposure, experience, and connections with college coaches.
Chapters
00:00 – What happens when you target well
02:00 – The confidence cycle of getting recruited
04:00 – When your target list is too high
06:00 – How recruiting pressure affects performance
08:30 – You might have a targeting problem, not an exposure problem
10:00 – How to build a smarter target list
12:00 – Creating options instead of chasing one school
15:00 – Why you shouldn’t overlook Division II
17:00 – The D2 opportunity families are missing
20:00 – Why college coach connections matter
21:30 – Using camps to create exposure and experience
24:00 – Recruit smarter, not just higher
25:30 – How Susan can help you build your target list
26:15 – Upcoming D2 College Coaches Camp
https://nxtvb.circle.so/options-d39582
Connect with Susan:
Check out the website: www.nxtvb.com
Follow on Instagram + TikTok: @hey.susank
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