Nail The Recruiting Process Podcast

Welcome to the Nail The Recruiting Process Podcast, a podcast to help you realize your dream of wearing a college jersey. Join author and college basketball coaching vet Jared Zeidman as he navigates you through every step of the recruiting process. Podcasts will include deep dives into the data that drives decision making at the collegiate level, as well as interviews with coaches, athletes and impactful members of the sports community. Each podcast will focus on a component of GEAR - the equipment you'll need every day to compete at the next level. GROWTH ORIENTED: Utilize a mindset of continuous improvement that is contagious on the recruiting trail. ENGAGED: Lock in on your process and network with coaches in a manner that leaves lasting impressions. AWARE: Navigate the recruiting landscape with a deep understanding of your strengths, limitations and needs for the perfect fit. READY: Develop a winning attitude that prepares you for the physical, mental and emotional challenges college athletes face. If you're ready to grow, we're ready to go! Thanks for tuning in to the NTRP podcast.

Episode: International 3X3 Mastery, and the Final Push — with Team Canada’s Katherine Plouffe 06/03/2025

Inside the Evaluation Process with Wisconsin-River Falls Head Coach Shelby Lyman 05/27/2025

Inside the Evaluation Process with Wisconsin-River Falls Head Coach Shelby Lyman Inside the Evaluation Process with Wisconsin-River Falls Head Coach Shelby Lyman Jared here. In this week’s episode, we’re pulling the curtain all the way back. I’m joined by Coach Shelby Lyman, head coach at Wisconsin-River Falls. Together, we’re going to walk you through literally every part of an evaluation of a prospective college athlete. If you’ve ever wondered how college coaches decide who they’re watching, what they’re watching for, and how they follow up—this is the episode for you. We break down what it looks like from a coach’s perspective during live recruiting periods, from what gets an athlete on their radar, to what actually leads to a roster spot or scholarship offer. When it comes to areas of expertise, Coach Lyman brings a rare combination of experiences to the table. She had an exceptional playing career at Cornell, she’s coached at both the D1 and D3 levels, and she is also coaching an AAU team during UWRF's offseason. Everything she is telling you on this podcast is EXACTLY what she is telling her team of 16U athletes who aspire to play college ball themselves. We also talk about the strategic side of building a roster at the D3 level—how finances, culture, and growth opportunities play a role—and why the top of Division III isn’t just competitive, but comparable to some scholarship programs. If you're a recruit, parent, or coach trying to REALLY understand how college staffs evaluate talent, fit, and long-term potential—this episode is a must-listen. ____ Download the NTRP x Athlete Narrative Recruiter App: To obtain more information about my coaching services or to check out the book, visit Have a question that you’d like answered by me or a guest? Have an idea for an episode topic? Have no suggestions but just want to say hello? Email me at [email protected] Follow me on social media! Instagram - @NailTheRecruitingProcess TikTok - @JaredTheCoach /episode/index/show/9a08fd72-c515-4cce-a071-3c5efbff61a7/id/36728580

Coaching with Purpose in a Changing Game — with BU Head Coach Joe Jones 05/20/2025

Leveraging the Transfer Portal and Building a Conference Champion with the UMASS Dartmouth Corsairs 05/06/2025

A 360 look at high-level men’s basketball recruiting with Jon Soch of Suited Scouting 04/29/2025

A 360 look at high-level men’s basketball recruiting with Jon Soch of Suited Scouting Jared here, and today I’m joined by Jon Soch — one of the most respected young scouts in men's basketball. Through his work with Suited Scouting, Jon has built deep connections with Division 1 college programs and NBA teams, specializing in evaluating the very best prospects across North America. We dive into what recruitment actually looks like behind the scenes — from realizing what “hard work” ACTUALLY looks like, to visualizing the concept of “stealing” recruitment. You’ll also learn what separates the top of a scout’s recruiting list from the rest of the pack, including strategies that coaches use to find (and prioritize) the best fits as well as the toughest and most prepared athletes. In the second half of the episode, I ask Jon to assess my teaching practices, and it results in a back and forth about the transfer portal that you will not want to miss. Be ready to learn A LOT about why mentorship and planning is so important, as well as how to find the right mentor for you. Whether you’re navigating high school recruitment, eyeing a transfer, or just trying to understand the evolving demands of high-level basketball, this conversation is packed with real-world insights that I truly believe you won't find anywhere else. If you want to know what it really takes to earn a spot at the next level, you don’t want to miss this one. __________ Learn more about Jon: Contact Jon with questions via email at [email protected] Download the NTRP x Athlete Narrative Recruiter App: To obtain more information about my coaching services or to check out the book, visit Have a question that you’d like answered by me or a guest? Have an idea for an episode topic? Have no suggestions but just want to say hello? Email me at [email protected] Follow me on social media! Instagram - @NailTheRecruitingProcess TikTok - @JaredTheCoach /episode/index/show/9a08fd72-c515-4cce-a071-3c5efbff61a7/id/36362855

Building Resilience with Mental Performance Coach Kristin Tullo 04/22/2025

Season 2 Preview 04/20/2025

Episode 18: The Season 1 Finale 11/05/2024

Episode 17: Interview with Columbia WBB Head Coach Megan Griffith 10/29/2024

Episode 16: Interview with Marshall WBB Head Coach Juli Fulks 10/22/2024

Episode 15: Hard Work and Resilience with Motivational Speaker and Basketball Coach Cornell Thomas 10/16/2024

Episode 15: Hard Work and Resilience with Motivational Speaker and Basketball Coach Cornell Thomas Jared here, and this week we close out our 3-part series on the “how.” I’m joined by Cornell Thomas, a motivational speaker, author, and basketball coach. Cornell is here to talk about his incredible journey to a professional basketball contract after not picking up a basketball until age 16. You read that correctly. You’re going to learn about how a kid who did not play basketball until he was a junior in high school became a dominant athlete. The word of the day is “resilience,” And Cornell Thomas is going to show you how far resilience and a strong work ethic can take you. Be ready to take some important notes on mental toughness, the power of showing up consistently, and why belief is the key to success both on and off the court. After Cornell shares his story - which is going to wow anyone with a pulse - I put him on the hot-seat about the recruiting process. You’re going to want to stick around to hear the practical advice he has for young athletes, especially when it comes to self-awareness and gratitude. The insights you’re about to hear are not just inspiring, they’re also actionable. Most of you have a HUGE head start on Cornell; you simply have to execute his gameplan. Now strap in and give that gameplan a listen. For more about Cornell: Follow on TikTok: @cornellthomas96 Follow on IG: @cornellthomas34 Learn more about Cornell’s books and speaking engagements: Cornell’s AAU program - Crossroads Basketball: ________________ Have a question that you’d like answered by me or a guest? Have an idea for an episode topic? Have no suggestions but just want to say hello? Email me at [email protected] To obtain more information about my coaching services or to check out the book, visit Follow me on social media! Instagram - @NailTheRecruitingProcess X (Twitter) / TikTok - @JaredTheCoach /episode/index/show/9a08fd72-c515-4cce-a071-3c5efbff61a7/id/33491692

Episode 14: Developing Basketball Skills with Rod Middleton and Tony Watson of Pro Training Basketball 10/08/2024

Episode 14: Developing Basketball Skills with Rod Middleton and Tony Watson of Pro Training Basketball Jared here, and it’s time for part two of our three part “how to get better’ series. I’m joined by Tony Watson and Rod Middleton of Pro Training Basketball. Rod and Tony both played DI ball at UB and both went on to be professional players in Europe. They’ve also been training young hoopers for more than a decade and are here to dive deep into what it really takes to play at the next level. This episode is minute-for-minute the most informative basketball discussion I’ve ever been a part of. We break down the non-negotiable skills every high school athlete should be working on, what everyday workouts should include, and what “hard work” actually looks like. Most importantly, you’ll learn what most high school athletes get wrong about their training sessions, and how to fix it. High school athletes and parents are going to want to have a pen ready, because there’s a lot to take note of here. The Pro Training guys also teach you exactly how to avoid the traps of social media basketball hype, focusing instead on consistent fundamentals and skills that will actually help you grow as a player. Regardless of the competitive level you are aiming for, you’re about to come away with tools that will help you elevate your game, set realistic goals, and stand out to college coaches. This episode is packed with practical advice and real-world experience from two professionals who’ve been through it all. Interview with Tony and Rod begins at 17:15. Follow the links below for way more information from Pro Training Basketball Instagram and TikTok: @ProfectYourGame Pro Training HQs: The Hooper’s Handbook: The most incredible collection of workout drills you will find, literally anywhere: ________________ Have a question that you’d like answered by me or a guest? Have an idea for an episode topic? Have no suggestions but just want to say hello? Email me at [email protected] To obtain more information about my coaching services or to check out the book, visit Follow me on social media! Instagram - @NailTheRecruitingProcess X (Twitter) / TikTok - @JaredTheCoach /episode/index/show/9a08fd72-c515-4cce-a071-3c5efbff61a7/id/33379402

Episode 13: Getting Stronger with “Project Pure Athlete” Strength Coach Chase Skinkis 10/02/2024

Episode 13: Getting Stronger with “Project Pure Athlete” Strength Coach Chase Skinkis Jared here. And today, we focus on getting stronger. I’m joined by Chase Skinkis of Project Pure Athlete. We dive into his unique story of how he transformed his body and his game after college, leveraging a combination of his passion for basketball and an engineering-based approach to physical improvement. You’ll learn the science behind improving athleticism from a world-reknowned dunker with 4-foot vertical (this is not a typo). You’ll also hear about how Chase’s commitment to strength and conditioning opened previously unimaginable doors for him, including “behind the scenes” work with NBA slam dunk contest participants. Throughout the episode, we cover the essential principles of strength and conditioning for high school athletes. Chase breaks down the importance of injury prevention, the benefits of strength training, and why young athletes should start dynamic stretching and hitting the weightroom early. In his own words; “it was never about dunking, it was about getting better at basketball.” The dunking is fun, but this is about the work it takes to become a stronger, more resilient athlete. This episode is packed with valuable insights on how to maximize your potential through proper training, goal-setting, and hard work. Tune in to learn from one of the best in the business! Follow the links below for more on Coach Chase! Instagram: @JumpGuyChase Dunk Highlights: Project Pure Athlete: https://projectpureathlete.com ________________ Have a question that you’d like answered by me or a guest? Have an idea for an episode topic? Have no suggestions but just want to say hello? Email me at [email protected] To obtain more information about my coaching services or to check out the book, visit Follow me on social media! Instagram - @NailTheRecruitingProcess X (Twitter) / TikTok - @JaredTheCoach /episode/index/show/9a08fd72-c515-4cce-a071-3c5efbff61a7/id/33301167

Episode 12: Recruiting Process Mythbusting with Coach Allison Roberts 09/24/2024

Episode 12: Recruiting Process Mythbusting with Coach Allison Roberts Jared here, and today, I’m joined by Coach Allison Roberts, an expert in the field of college volleyball recruiting and the founder of "How to Get Recruited.” Now, you may be wondering why I’m so excited to have a volleyball recruiting specialist on my basketball recruiting podcast. Boy, am I happy you asked! Coach Allison and I have gotten to know one another over the past year, and we realized that the volleyball and basketball recruiting spaces have a TON in common. We use this podcast to dive into these similarities and address the universal challenges high school athletes face as they try to find their dream college. Before Coach Allison started her company, she was a former college athlete AND college coach. You’ll learn what it was like for Coach Allison to navigate her recruiting process without much guidance, and how some small assumptions nearly threw a huge wrench in her experience. In addition to a metric ton of advice for high schoolers and their families, this episode is also bookended by some mythbusting. We tackle common misunderstandings about college athletics, specifically about the different competitive divisions and what athletes should really be looking for. Get ready for an hour of invaluable tips on how you can take control of your recruiting journey, reach out to coaches with confidence, and make smart decisions that will set you up for success both on and off the court. You’re definitely going to want to find Coach Allison after listening, so here’s all the info you need: Instagram/TikTok - @HowToGetRecruited X (Twitter) - @HTGRecruited ________________ Have a question that you’d like answered by me or a guest? Have an idea for an episode topic? Have no suggestions but just want to say hello? Email me at [email protected] To obtain more information about my coaching services or to check out the book, visit Follow me on social media! Instagram - @NailTheRecruitingProcess X (Twitter) / TikTok - @JaredTheCoach /episode/index/show/9a08fd72-c515-4cce-a071-3c5efbff61a7/id/33180582

Episode 11: The High Academic D3 Episode with Hamilton College Head Coach Mahogany Green 09/17/2024

Episode 10: Interview with New Hampshire Assistant Coach Joe Rutigliano 08/20/2024

Episode 9 - Interview with Indiana State WBB Head Coach Marc Mitchell 08/13/2024

Episode 9 - Interview with Indiana State WBB Head Coach Marc Mitchell Jared here, and I’ll be honest, this is a special one. More than a decade ago, I decided to change careers, leave a lot of money on the table, take a huge pay cut and pursue a career in college basketball coaching. A lot of people thought I was nuts. But at that time, I obtained some supporting evidence in the form of a New York Times article about Marc Mitchell. Coach Mitchell had ZERO college coaching experience until he was 40 years-old, and went on to win a D3 National championship with FDU Florham. His story was all the proof I needed to believe that any risk would pay off if I worked hard enough. In today’s episode, I sit down with Coach Mitchell, who is now Head Coach at Indiana State. Coach Mitchell is known for his incredible ability to turn programs around, and we dive into everything it takes to build a program, including (as you can probably imagine) recruiting. We also dive deep into Mitchell’s personal journey, even discussing (and this is 100% true) the time he told FDU Florham’s administrative team - while on his job interview - that he would win a national championship there. He won the D3 National championship there four years later. Coach Mitchell shares the behind-the-scenes stories of his recruiting strategies, including the relentless pursuit of top talent and the importance of outworking other coaches when building a program. Tune in to hear insights from a coach who not only talks the talk but has proven time and again that he's willing to walk the walk, all while staying true to his values and vision. If you're passionate about coaching, leadership, or simply love a great story, this episode is for you! – – – – – – – – – – Have a question that you’d like answered by me or a guest? Have an idea for an episode topic? Have no suggestions but just want to say hello? Email me at [email protected] To obtain more information about my coaching services or to check out the book, visit Follow me on social media! Instagram - @NailTheRecruitingProcess X (Twitter) / TikTok - @JaredTheCoach /episode/index/show/9a08fd72-c515-4cce-a071-3c5efbff61a7/id/32558062

Episode 8: Interview with Sacramento State Head Coach Aaron Kallhoff 08/06/2024

Episode 8: Interview with Sacramento State Head Coach Aaron Kallhoff Jared here, and be advised: a HIGH ENERGY podcast is coming your way. This week, I'm joined by Aaron Kallhoff, Head Coach of Sacramento State Women's Basketball. Coach Kallhoff is known for his contagious energy, his developmental expertise and his incredible resume as a recruiter at multiple competitive levels. Put these things together, and you’ve got a must listen episode for anyone passionate about becoming a college athlete. In our conversation, Coach Kallhoff discusses his remarkable journey that started at the JUCO level both as a player AND as a coach. We delve into his coaching philosophy, his approach to recruiting and the importance of building a team culture that “only takes everyone.” We also explore some of the challenges and triumphs Coach Kallhoff has faced throughout his career. He provides a behind-the-scenes look at the realities of the collegiate level, sharing stories that highlight the importance of perseverance and staying true to one's values. In addition to all of his great coaching experience, Coach Kallhoff also has a daughter who is currently navigating the college recruiting process. Parents won’t want to miss the advice he has for them. Oh yeah, about that one small part at the end…Coach Kallhoff is dead serious about rewarding young people who are willing to take the initiative. As long as you are prepared to hear the feedback, Coach Kallhoff will watch your film. His email address is below if you want to take him up on it (and frankly, I don’t know why you wouldn’t). [email protected] – – – – – – – – – – Have a question that you’d like answered by me or a guest? Have an idea for an episode topic? Have no suggestions but just want to say hello? Email me at [email protected] To obtain more information about my coaching services or to check out the book, visit Follow me on social media! Instagram - @NailTheRecruitingProcess X (Twitter) / TikTok - @JaredTheCoach /episode/index/show/9a08fd72-c515-4cce-a071-3c5efbff61a7/id/32450642

Episode 7: The D3 Mythbusting Episode Featuring Zach Filzen and Sean Smiley 07/30/2024

Episode 6: Interview with Vannessa Garrelts (Miami OH / Canisius WBB) 07/23/2024

Episode 5: The Parental Involvement Episode Featuring Amy Reed, Founder of State of Mind Executive Coaching 07/16/2024

Episode 5: The Parental Involvement Episode Featuring Amy Reed, Founder of State of Mind Executive Coaching Jared here, and I have an AWESOME episode in store for high school athletes and their parents. My guest is Amy Reed, an outstanding DIII Head Coach at RIT who recently left her position to launch State of Mind Executive Coaching. Amy specializes in helping coaches build programs by activating their best selves. So, where do parents and athletes come in? Glad you asked! A key focus of Amy’s work is helping coaches build better relationships with the parents of athletes. Amy is also very passionate about teaching parents how to be better resources and supporters of their kids as they navigate the challenges that come with competitive sports. She’s even developed several models that parents can use to help build up their child’s competitive energy. Amy is doing some “next level” stuff, and she’s here to break down all of it! Amy shares some incredible stories about her own experiences and adjustments that led to greater success at RIT, along with key tips for both players and parents navigating the athletic journey. One of the key themes of our conversation is the importance of player-led programs. Amy shares some great stories about player ownership at RIT, as well as specific strategies that parents and coaches should be utilizing with young athletes to raise their levels of accountability. Amy’s experiences and strategies offer practical lessons for coaches, athletes, and parents looking to foster a positive, collaborative and successful sports environment. If you are a parent of a young athlete, this is a “can’t miss” episode. To learn more about Amy Reed or State of Mind Executive Coaching, check the following pages: Instagram: @StateofMindExecutiveCoaching Web: www.StateofMindExecutiveCoaching.com – – – – – – – – – – Have a question that you’d like answered by me or a guest? Have an idea for an episode topic? Have no suggestions but just want to say hello? Email me at [email protected] To obtain more information about my coaching services or to check out the book, visit Follow me on social media! Instagram - @NailTheRecruitingProcess X (Twitter) / TikTok - @JaredTheCoach /episode/index/show/9a08fd72-c515-4cce-a071-3c5efbff61a7/id/32153757

Episode 4: Interview with Siena Assistant Coach Ben Lee 07/09/2024

Episode 4: Interview with Siena Assistant Coach Ben Lee Episode 4: Interview with Siena Assistant Coach Ben Lee Jared here. In this week's episode, I sit down with Siena Assistant Coach Ben Lee for an episode all about making the most of your opportunities and maximizing your potential. Ben and I first met when he was a freshman on the men’s basketball team at Union College. He knew he wanted to get into coaching from the day we met, and in the time since he has rapidly ascended the coaching ranks. After holding multiple positions at the University of Washington - with a few years of organizing grassroots club basketball tevents in between - Ben is now the right-hand man for Siena’s new Head Coach, Gerry McNamara. Tune in to hear Ben share his journey from being a D3 college athlete to a D1 Assistant and recruiting coordinator. He also talks about the back-to-back Liberty League championship runs he was a part of at Union, and the importance of setting high standards to build a winning culture. We take a deep dive into the day-to-day operations and the behind-the-scenes work that goes into running a top-tier basketball program. Young hoopers, you may be surprised to learn the similarities between succeeding as a player and as a coach. The secret is that there is no secret, and Ben talks all about doing the work to succeed on both fronts. Be sure to stay tuned all the way to the end, when Ben shares AMAZING advice to players and parents navigating the recruiting process. From start to finish, this is an inspiring episode that sheds light on the dedication and passion required to excel in the world of basketball. – – – – – – – – – – Have a question that you’d like answered by me or a guest? Have an idea for an episode topic? Have no suggestions but just want to say hello? Email me at [email protected] To obtain more information about my coaching services or to check out the book, visit Follow me on social media! Instagram - @NailTheRecruitingProcess X (Twitter) / TikTok - @JaredTheCoach /episode/index/show/9a08fd72-c515-4cce-a071-3c5efbff61a7/id/32055022

Episode 3: Interview with Cortland Head Coach Colleen Ames 07/05/2024

Episode 3: Interview with Cortland Head Coach Colleen Ames Episode 3: Interview with Cortland Head Coach Colleen Ames Jared here, and it’s time for another awesome interview with another great coach on the women’s side of college hoops. My guest this week is Colleen Ames, Head Coach of the Cortland University Red Dragons. Colleen shares her unique coaching journey, which includes becoming a Head Coach at the collegiate level at only 23 years old!!! She delves into the challenges of running a college basketball program at a young age while also managing a full graduate school course load. We also discuss strategies she used to gain the respect and buy-in from players her own age, and how those experiences shaped her coaching philosophy. As our conversation shifts to the recruiting process, Colleen provides invaluable insights into what D3 basketball really looks like, what she looks for in potential recruits, and specific things that make top recruits stand out. We also talk about the importance of authenticity and vulnerability. You’ll also hear about winning cultures, dependable teammates, and the power of plain ol’ hard work. Colleen's story is not just about basketball; it's about leadership, perseverance, and the power of believing in yourself. If you’re looking to be inspired by a story of determination and growth (albeit inspired by some chaos), this episode will offer you that motivation. Coach Colleen’s insights can surely help you nail the recruiting process! – – – – – – – – – – Have a question that you’d like answered by me or a guest? Have an idea for an episode topic? Have no suggestions but just want to say hello? Email me at [email protected] To obtain more information about my coaching services or to check out the book, visit Follow me on social media! Instagram - @NailTheRecruitingProcess X (Twitter) / TikTok - @JaredTheCoach /episode/index/show/9a08fd72-c515-4cce-a071-3c5efbff61a7/id/32016027

Episode 2: Interview with Eastern Michigan Head Coach Sahar Nusseibeh 06/25/2024

Episode 2: Interview with Eastern Michigan Head Coach Sahar Nusseibeh Episode 2: Interview with Eastern Michigan Head Coach Sahar Nusseibeh Jared here, and I'm thrilled about today’s podcast with our special guest: Sahar Nusseibeh, Head Coach of Eastern Michigan University Women's Basketball. In this episode, you'll hear about Sahar's journey to Eastern Michigan, why she describes it as her dream job, and how her values align perfectly with EMU’s mission. We also discuss the power of relationships, and how relationships have anchored her coaching philosophy. Be sure to stick around to learn about how relationships and connectedness power Coach Sahar’s recruiting of both high school-aged athletes AND transfer athletes. Sahar will also guide you through her personal coaching philosophy: "Feet In, Arms Out, Eyes Up." She explains how this mantra shapes her approach to developing her players - both on and off the court - as empowered, confident individuals (ed. note, there's a fun colorful word that comes after “confident,” but you’ll have to stay tuned to hear it 😀). Listeners will also learn about Sahar's personal journey as a student-athlete and how those experiences inspired her commitment to being a supportive presence for her players. Oh, by the way…that’s just the FIRST HALF of the interview!!! In the second half, Coach Sahar touches on everything about the recruiting process including what she looks for when she recruits, what she wishes more recruits knew about the process, and how she makes “snap” decisions based on energy, effort, and attitude. You’ll also hear the true story of the time Coach Sahar decided to aggressively pursue a recruit after watching her in warm ups for six minutes! Coach Sahar believes that energy is everything, and after this interview you will too! Join us as we explore the heart and soul of what it means to play with passion and integrity. – – – – – – – – – – Have a question that you’d like answered by me or a guest? Have an idea for an episode topic? Have no suggestions but just want to say hello? Email me at [email protected] To obtain more information about my coaching services or to check out the book, visit Follow me on social media! Instagram - @NailTheRecruitingProcess X (Twitter) / TikTok - @JaredTheCoach /episode/index/show/9a08fd72-c515-4cce-a071-3c5efbff61a7/id/31873457

Episode 1 - How We Got Here 06/18/2024

Podcast Preview 06/10/2024

Nail The Recruiting Process Podcast

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