If you’ve been trying to approach recruiting like a step-by-step checklist, this episode will challenge the way you think about the process.

In this episode, Susan shares a powerful analogy that reframes recruiting as a road trip instead of a fixed plan. Athletes and families often want the exact steps and a guaranteed path, but in reality, recruiting is about direction, not perfection.

Susan breaks down why trying to map out every step can actually create more stress and confusion, and how focusing on the next move builds momentum and clarity over time. She also explains the role of a “copilot” in the recruiting process, and how the right guidance can make the journey smoother without taking away ownership from the athlete.

For parents, this episode offers a helpful shift in perspective on how to best support your athlete without becoming the backseat driver, and why your role matters more than you think.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or stuck in the recruiting process, this episode will help you simplify your approach, build momentum, and keep moving forward.

Chapters

00:00 – Intro

00:45 – Recruiting isn’t a step-by-step process

01:45 – Why planning everything creates stress

02:30 – Direction over perfection

03:45 – Focus on the next step

04:15 – The role of a recruiting guide

05:45 – Action creates clarity

07:00 – What this means for athletes

08:00 – What this means for parents

09:30 – Why outside support helps

11:00 – Parents as the fuel, not the driver

12:30 – What actually helps families most

13:30 – Final takeaway: keep moving

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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What if waiting in the recruiting process could actually create more opportunities?

In Part 2 of this conversation, Susan continues her discussion with Keegan Cook, head coach at the University of Minnesota, to break down how timing impacts recruiting opportunities for the class of 2028 and rising prospects.

Keegan explains why recruiting can feel inconsistent and how factors like the transfer portal, international athletes, and roster needs influence when opportunities open up. He shares why uncommitted athletes can become more valuable later in the process and why waiting may actually work in your favor.

They also discuss how scholarship structures have evolved, why programs hold spots for the right player, and what happens after an offer is extended. If you’re feeling pressure to commit early, this episode will help you approach decisions with more clarity and confidence.

Guest: Keegan Cook

Keegan Cook is the head coach of the University of Minnesota volleyball program and one of the most respected voices in the college game when it comes to recruiting and player development. Since taking over in 2022, he’s led the Gophers to three straight NCAA Tournament appearances, including a Sweet 16 run, while earning AVCA Region Coach of the Year honors.

Prior to Minnesota, Cook built a powerhouse at the University of Washington with multiple Pac-12 titles, a Final Four appearance, and consistent national success. With experience across club, mid-major, and Power 5 levels, as well as involvement with USA Volleyball, he brings a well-rounded perspective on how the recruiting process works and how it’s evolving for today’s athletes and families.

Chapters

00:00 – Why timing matters in recruiting
01:00 – When uncommitted athletes gain value
03:00 – The “hot and cold” recruiting cycle
05:00 – Transfer portal and shifting opportunities
07:30 – Why waiting can open more doors
10:00 – Scholarship trends and roster strategy
12:30 – Rethinking the scarcity mindset
15:00 – Changes in scholarship structure
17:00 – The value of academics in recruiting
18:30 – What happens after an offer
21:00 – Communication after an offer
23:00 – Making decisions with clarity
24:30 – The myth of the perfect fit
26:00 – Final advice and future outlook

Connect with Keegan:

Instagram: @gophervb

Join Susan for a monthly recruiting lesson January-June inside the Volleyball Recruiting School! Become a subscriber here. Or register for January's class all about highlight film here!

Click here for a discount on our go-to, and the hands-down best and most affordable Recruiting Tool + Software we recommend every baller has to increase her efficiency in all that she does 👉🏼 PRODUCTIVE RECRUIT

Want to support your baller in getting her process started and have an experienced volleyball recruiting advisor walk her through it? Enroll in RECRUIT READY: LAUNCH 🚀

Need help getting unstuck in the recruiting process? Apply for a RECRUITING INTENSIVE.

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

P.S. If you’re an athlete with big goals, a parent who wants to support the journey, or a coach who cares deeply about your players, this podcast was made for you. Hit subscribe and come grow with us.

If you’ve ever felt like the recruiting process suddenly speeds up and everything happens at once, this episode will help you understand why.

In Part 1 of this conversation, Susan sits down with Keegan Cook, head coach at the University of Minnesota, to talk through how the current recruiting timeline actually works and what’s changed over the years. They break down the June 15th rule, why communication is so limited before that date, and why everything can feel so overwhelming once it opens up.

Keegan shares what recruiting looked like before these rule changes, how the process has evolved, and what college coaches are navigating behind the scenes. You’ll also learn why camps have become such a big part of recruiting and how families can better understand what’s happening during this phase.

If you’re trying to make sense of June 15th and the overall recruiting timeline, this episode will give you important context and clarity.

Guest: Keegan Cook

Keegan Cook is the head coach of the University of Minnesota volleyball program and one of the most respected voices in the college game when it comes to recruiting and player development. Since taking over in 2022, he’s led the Gophers to three straight NCAA Tournament appearances, including a Sweet 16 run, while earning AVCA Region Coach of the Year honors.

Prior to Minnesota, Cook built a powerhouse at the University of Washington with multiple Pac-12 titles, a Final Four appearance, and consistent national success. With experience across club, mid-major, and Power 5 levels, as well as involvement with USA Volleyball, he brings a well-rounded perspective on how the recruiting process works and how it’s evolving for today’s athletes and families.

Chapters

00:00 – Intro and why recruiting feels overwhelming right now

01:30 – Meet Keegan Cook and his perspective on recruiting

04:00 – The biggest issue: limited communication before June 15th

08:30 – How recruiting used to work vs. now

12:30 – Why June 15th changed everything

16:00 – The “floodgates” effect and rising pressure on athletes

19:00 – Why camps have become such a big part of recruiting

22:00 – The gap between June 15th and official visits

24:00 – How families are trying to read interest without communication

26:00 – Why recruiting feels rushed and exhausting

Connect with Keegan:

Instagram: @gophervb

Join Susan for a monthly recruiting lesson January-June inside the Volleyball Recruiting School! Become a subscriber here. Or register for January's class all about highlight film here!

Click here for a discount on our go-to, and the hands-down best and most affordable Recruiting Tool + Software we recommend every baller has to increase her efficiency in all that she does 👉🏼 PRODUCTIVE RECRUIT

Want to support your baller in getting her process started and have an experienced volleyball recruiting advisor walk her through it? Enroll in RECRUIT READY: LAUNCH 🚀

Need help getting unstuck in the recruiting process? Apply for a RECRUITING INTENSIVE.

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

P.S. If you’re an athlete with big goals, a parent who wants to support the journey, or a coach who cares deeply about your players, this podcast was made for you. Hit subscribe and come grow with us.