Bonus Episode: What No One Tells You About Mindset + Recruiting (IG Live Replay)

You can have the skills, the highlight film, and the emails — but if your mindset isn’t right, none of it sticks.

In this powerful conversation, Susan brings on Desi, a certified mindset and performance coach and former college middle blocker, to break down what most athletes miss about confidence, handling disappointment, and navigating the mental side of recruiting.

They talk about why burying your emotions backfires, how to actually process disappointment (instead of pretending it’s fine), and why learning to fall in love with the process will change everything — on and off the court.

Whether you’re a top recruit or just trying to make your club team, this episode is a must-listen if you want to play your best under pressure and build the skills that last far beyond volleyball.

Chapters:

00:00 – Meet Desi + why mindset matters
02:00 – Desi’s story: from headcase to certified mindset coach
05:30 – The difference between venting and real change
08:00 – Why positivity alone isn’t enough
10:00 – How to acknowledge disappointment without losing hope
13:30 – The power of asking why you aren’t a 10
16:00 – The 50/50 principle + how it applies to recruiting
19:30 – Understanding dopamine highs and lows
22:00 – Why celebrating small wins trains your brain for success
25:00 – How to prep before talking with coaches
28:00 – Getting out of “prove mode” and back to having fun
32:00 – Why coaches love athletes who create positive energy
35:00 – Final thoughts: focus on who you become, not just what you achieve

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

Quick shoutout to our podcast sponsor University Athlete. 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

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!

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...