Jared here. In this episode of The Nail the Recruiting Process Podcast, I’m joined by Katherine Plouffe—one of the top women’s 3x3 basketball players in the world and the leader of Team Canada 3X3. In the midst of her final competitive season, Katherine pulls back the curtain on what it truly takes to perform at the highest level.

We talk about the mental shift that came with transitioning from 5-on-5 to 3x3, and why that shift unlocked a whole new level of creativity, freedom, and growth in her game. Katherine shares how the nature of 3x3—its speed, spacing, and nonstop decision-making—requires constant communication, adaptability, and trust. And why players who embrace the chaos, rather than fear it, tend to rise.

But this conversation isn’t just about tactics or stats. It’s about the mindset behind it all. Katherine opens up about confidence, self-doubt, overthinking, and what it really takes to push yourself to that next level—not just as a player, but as a person. Whether it’s learning a new position, managing frustration, or showing up with consistency, her path is a masterclass in humility, work ethic, and growth.

If you’re an athlete (or the parent of one) trying to understand what elite performance looks like—and what kind of mindset gets you there—this episode delivers insight you won’t find in highlight reels.

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Download the NTRP x Athlete Narrative Recruiter App:
https://signup.athletenarrative.com/ntrp2?am_id=ntrp

To obtain more information about my coaching services or to check out the book, visit www.nailtherecruitingprocess.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 RecruitingGEAR@gmail.com

Follow me on social media!

Instagram - @NailTheRecruitingProcess
TikTok - @JaredTheCoach

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.

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Download the NTRP x Athlete Narrative Recruiter App:
https://signup.athletenarrative.com/ntrp2?am_id=ntrp

To obtain more information about my coaching services or to check out the book, visit www.nailtherecruitingprocess.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 RecruitingGEAR@gmail.com

Follow me on social media!

Instagram - @NailTheRecruitingProcess
TikTok - @JaredTheCoach

In this episode of The Nail the Recruiting Process Podcast, I’m joined by one of the most respected voices in Men’s basketball: Boston University Head Coach Joe Jones. Coach Jones is a three-time Patriot League Coach of the Year and has built BU into a model of consistency, with top-three conference finishes in five of the last six seasons. But this conversation goes far beyond accolades.

Coach Jones opens up about what it means to coach with purpose in an era of rapid change—where NIL, the transfer portal, and shifting timelines have challenged even the most development-focused programs. We talk about what’s getting lost in this new system, what still matters, and why relationships, accountability, and long-term growth have to stay at the center of the college athlete experience.

We also dive into the unique perspective Coach Jones has as both a head coach and a "basketball dad"—his daughter just wrapped up a standout career at Bowdoin, and his son is preparing to play at Penn. The way he navigated both roles—as a recruiter and a dad—offers an honest, grounded take on what young athletes and families should actually be looking for when making college decisions.

If you’re a recruit, a parent, or a coach trying to make sense of what truly matters in this new landscape, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

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Download the NTRP x Athlete Narrative Recruiter App:
https://signup.athletenarrative.com/ntrp2?am_id=ntrp

To obtain more information about my coaching services or to check out the book, visit www.nailtherecruitingprocess.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 RecruitingGEAR@gmail.com

Follow me on social media!

Instagram - @NailTheRecruitingProcess
TikTok - @JaredTheCoach