What separates a recruiting call that lands an offer from one that gets quietly forgotten?

In this episode, Susan welcomes back Ben and Nancy Somera, the married coaching duo leading programs at Wesleyan University (Division III) and Fairfield University (Division I). This time, they go deeper into what's actually happening behind the scenes of the recruiting process, from the chase for the "D1 label" to the phone calls that often decide who gets an offer.

Ben and Nancy break down what real fit looks like, why "going D1" shouldn't be the driving force behind any recruit's decision, and what athletes can learn from the difference between a winning program and a losing one. They walk through the recruiting calls coaches actually want to have (and the questions that waste everyone's time), the personality cues they pick up on, how their timelines differ at the D1 and D3 levels, the rushed-offer culture around June 15th, and what the new roster limits and fifth-year eligibility rules really mean for the next few recruiting classes.

If you're heading into June 15th, prepping for your first call with a college coach, or trying to figure out if you're chasing the right schools, this conversation is a must.

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 – Why winning culture matters
05:00 – PB&J: passion, bravery, and joy
08:30 – The Power 4 chase vs. finding real fit
13:00 – Inside the recruiting call
17:30 – Doing your homework before you dial
19:00 – Personality, presence, and being yourself
23:30 – D1 vs. D3 recruiting timelines
26:00 – Qualifying coach interest before you wait
28:30 – June 15th, rushed offers, and the camp economy
33:00 – Roster limits and the fifth-year shift

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

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.

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