18: Inside D2 Volleyball — Scholarships, Transfers & Life in Balance (Part 2)
In Part 2 of Susan’s deep-dive with national champion coaches Kim Cherniss and Danny Scott, they unpack the realities of D2 scholarships, the modern transfer landscape, and why so many athletes are finding their best fit outside of Division I.
Kim and Danny explain how scholarship budgets actually work, what families often misunderstand about financial packages, and why public vs. private school cost matters more than division. They also talk openly about the transfer portal, why D1-to-D2 transfers are on the rise, and how athletes can build a college experience that balances academics, athletics, and life.
If you’re a parent trying to understand scholarships — or an athlete exploring where you’ll thrive on and off the court — this episode gives practical clarity you won’t find anywhere else.
Chapters
00:00 – Why D1 athletes transfer to D2 and thrive
03:00 – How to evaluate whether a school is the right fit
06:00 – The transfer portal’s impact on recruiting
08:30 – Why “sticking it out” still matters
10:00 – How D2 scholarship budgets really work
13:00 – Public vs. private schools: true cost comparison
15:30 – Life balance: D2 as the “middle ground” athletes love
18:00 – Parents: how to support without overpowering
21:00 – The importance of athlete-led communication
23:00 – “You’re the shopper” mindset shift
25:30 – Practical advice for managing scholarship conversations
28:00 – Quickfire Q&A: emails, social media, showcases & more
32:00 – Final takeaways on building the best college experience
Connect with Susan:
Check out the website: www.nxtvb.com
Follow on Instagram + TikTok: @hey.susank
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