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NXTVBAuthor: Susan Forbes Volleyball Recruiting
The NXTVB Podcast is your go-to resource for the next generation of volleyball talent. Hosted by Susan Forbes, a former D1 athlete and recruiting expert, this show explores the evolving world of college recruiting, NIL deals, and what it really takes to succeed at the next levelon and off the court. Whether you're a top prospect, parent, or coach, you'll get real talk, expert insights, and behind-the-scenes guidance on how to navigate the volleyball journey with confidence and clarity.From scholarship strategy to navigating transfer rules, were talking about the future of the game and how to own your path within it. Language: en-us Genres: Sports, Volleyball Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it Trailer: |
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55: Inside Mizzou Volleyball with Dawn Sullivan: Recruiting, Culture & Wrigley Field
Episode 55
Thursday, 3 September, 2026
What does an SEC head coach really look for when evaluating recruits?In this episode, Susan sits down with University of Missouri head coach Dawn Sullivan to talk about recruiting, culture, and what she’s building at Mizzou. Dawn shares why talent is only one piece of the evaluation process and what she notices about an athlete’s competitiveness, resilience, communication, coachability, and how they respond when things don’t go their way.They also dive into how Dawn rebuilt Mizzou’s roster, the role the transfer portal has played in the program, and why finding the right people and creating genuine relationships are at the center of her recruiting philosophy. Dawn gives athletes and parents a behind-the-scenes look at the things college coaches may be evaluating that recruits don’t always realize.Then the conversation heads to Wrigley Field. Dawn shares how Mizzou was selected for the SEC-Big Ten Challenge, how the team has prepared to play outdoors, and what she hopes fans see when Mizzou takes the court on one of volleyball’s biggest stages.Whether you’re navigating recruiting or simply excited about where college volleyball is headed, this episode offers an inside look at what it takes to build a program where talent, culture, and the right fit all matter.Chapters00:00 – Why this Mizzou conversation is special02:25 – Meet Mizzou head coach Dawn Sullivan05:35 – Dawn’s coaching journey and philosophy07:15 – Building a program around people and culture09:10 – Recruiting athletes who fit the program11:20 – How Dawn evaluates character12:20 – Building confidence, trust, and connection16:25 – Rebuilding Mizzou volleyball19:00 – Recruiting Missouri athletes20:05 – How the transfer portal fits into Mizzou’s strategy23:25 – What Dawn really looks for in recruits27:05 – Grit, ownership, and the role of parents30:00 – How the Wrigley Field match came together32:20 – Preparing to play volleyball outdoors36:20 – Mentally preparing for the Wrigley stage37:35 – The personality behind this Mizzou team40:05 – What Dawn hopes fans see at Wrigley About the Guest:Dawn Sullivan is the head coach of Mizzou Volleyball, where she has quickly helped reestablish the Tigers as a contender in the SEC. Sullivan took over the program in December 2022 and led Mizzou to back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances in her first two seasons, including a run to the Sweet 16 in 2024. She was named SEC Coach of the Year in her first season and AVCA Central Region Coach of the Year in 2024. Now entering her fourth season at Mizzou, Sullivan has compiled a 57–33 record with the Tigers and recently signed a contract extension through the 2029 season.Before Mizzou, Sullivan spent five seasons as the head coach at UNLV, where she built the Rebels into one of the Mountain West's top programs. She went 109–38, led UNLV to five straight postseason appearances, two Mountain West championships and the 2021 NIVC Championship, while earning Mountain West Coach of the Year honors twice. Prior to UNLV, Sullivan spent 13 seasons on staff at Iowa State. A former All-American at Kansas State, she helped lead the Wildcats to four straight NCAA Tournament appearances as a player and was inducted into the Kansas State Athletics Hall of Fame in 2016.Connect with Dawn:Website: https://mutigers.com/sports/womens-volleyballInstagram: @dawn3sullivanLink to the book: Sidelined No Longer: The Untold Story of Women's College Sports by Karen S. Rudolph (Susan's Mom)Connect with Susan:Check out the website: www.nxtvb.comFollow on Instagram + TikTok: @hey.susankwww.rallysend.comLooking for a better way to stay organized and manage your recruiting? Check out www.rallysend.com—our go-to recruiting software for athletes, families, and clubs. It streamlines communication with college coaches, saves hours on recruiting outreach, and helps you stay ahead of the biggest challenge in the recruiting process: time.Use code HEYSUSAN to save $5/month on a monthly subscription or $50 off an annual plan.
