62: Preparing for College Volleyball Starts Before You Get There with Dana Burkholder

What does it take to be ready for college volleyball beyond having the skills to compete?

In Part 2 of her conversation with Dana Burkholder, founder of Volleyball Village, Susan explores how athletes can build the resourcefulness, emotional resilience, and capacity to handle the demands of playing at the next level.

Dana explains how an athlete’s everyday environment—including friendships, nutrition, sleep, music, and personal habits—can influence how they show up at practice and competition. She shares how taking ownership of these choices can help athletes become more focused, adaptable, and prepared to handle challenges.

They also discuss what college coaches notice when evaluating recruits. How does an athlete respond after a mistake? What happens when she gets subbed out, faces a difficult tournament day, or has to reset after a tough match? These moments can reveal important qualities beyond physical ability, including emotional regulation, mindset, and how an athlete supports her teammates.

Susan and Dana also look at the role clubs and coaches play in preparing athletes for college. From helping players develop better habits and communication skills to providing ongoing education and mentorship, they discuss ways the volleyball community can better support the whole athlete.

Plus, Dana shares how she hopes to expand Volleyball Village’s resources for athletes, parents, coaches, and clubs.

If you’re pursuing college volleyball, supporting an athlete through recruiting, or working to develop players, this conversation offers a valuable reminder: preparing for the next level is about more than how you play. It’s also about how you respond, adapt, and contribute.

Chapters

00:15 – Preparing for the demands of college volleyball

02:00 – Building a supportive environment

03:15 – Everyday habits that influence performance

06:45 – Taking ownership of your choices

10:45 – Resourcefulness and building capacity

13:30 – Making the transition from club to college

14:45 – What college coaches look for beyond skills

16:30 – How athletes respond to mistakes and pressure

18:00 – Resetting after a difficult tournament day

21:30 – How clubs can better prepare athletes

23:30 – Developing athletes and coaches throughout the season

26:00 – Why coach education and mentorship matter

27:30 – Dana’s vision for Volleyball Village

29:30 – Resources for athletes, parents, and clubs

32:15 – Helping athletes recognize the value they bring

About the guest

Dana Burkholder is the founder of Volleyball Village, a resource center supporting athletes, parents, coaches, and others in the volleyball community. A former two-time First Team All-American setter at the University of Arizona and member of the USA National Team, Dana has spent more than two decades coaching and directing club volleyball programs. Her work now focuses on whole-person development, self-awareness, and helping athletes and coaches thrive both on and off the court.

Connect with Dana:

Website: https://volleyballvillage.com/home 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@volleyball-village/featured 

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

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