About this episode
What does it really take to get noticed in the volleyball world—and what happens behind the scenes of the videos, write-ups, and rankings? In this special bonus episode, Susan sits down with Michelle Gardner, PrepDig California scout, writer, and volleyball superfan, to talk about what it’s like to be on the front lines of athlete exposure. They dive into everything from social media tips and Instagram bios to tournament prep, content creation, and the power of visibility beyond your highlight reel. Whether you're a parent, player, or coach, this episode is packed with insights on how to stand out—and how Michelle’s storytelling-first approach is making a difference for athletes nationwide. Chapters: 00:00 – Meet Michelle: How she got into volleyball + PrepDig 03:00 – From athlete to scout: Michelle’s unique journey 05:30 – Building visibility for athletes who often get overlooked 08:45 – Content strategy: How she captures, edits, and posts so much 12:00 – A day in the life at a tournament 15:00 – What makes her write-ups different (and why coaches care) 18:00 – How she stays energized and organized at 12-hour events 21:00 – What athletes don’t realize about getting featured 24:00 – Tips for athletes from smaller towns or low-profile clubs 26:30 – Why Instagram bios matter more than you think 28:00 – Should your recruiting profile be private? (Hint: no) 31:00 – How to practice interview skills + what not to say 35:00 – Warm-up mindset + how to stand out on the bench 38:00 – No perfect path: Why everyone’s recruiting journey is different 42:00 – The impact of female representation in volleyball media 47:00 – How to support PrepDig and stay visible year-round What You’ll Learn: What college coaches are really looking for Why having a volleyball Instagram is useless if it's private How to use your warm-ups, social media, and personality as recruiting tools Why storytelling—and not stats—is what separates great athletes The real behind-the-scenes life of a volleyball content creator Connect with Michell on IG: @prepdigca and @coachable247 Visit: www.prepdig.com 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. Are you the DIY type? Purchase the GETTING STARTED ACTION PLAN (*note this does not come with Recruiting Software OR 1:1 support) 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.