It’s been over three months since that epic December showdown, but folks are still buzzing like it’s fresh off the court. Penn State didn’t just snag another banner—they stormed the NCAA women’s volleyball championship with fire in their veins and a legacy to reclaim. The Nittany Lions took down Louisville in four gritty, high-voltage sets (25-23, 32-34, 25-20, 25-17), locking in their eighth title and their first in over a decade. But here’s the real heart-tugger—Katie Schumacher-Cawley, who was diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer just four months prior, didn’t flinch. Nope. She stayed on the sidelines, clipboard in hand, coaching through chemo, fear, and fatigue. And oh, she made history too—first female coach to win a Division I volleyball natty.
“There have been so many before me… I’m so grateful,” she told ESPN, her voice echoing strength. With Jess Mruzik still glowing from her 29-kill heroics (and rocking that NCAA Tournament MOP title), the vibes in Happy Valley are sky-high. Katie’s not here to prove anything—she already did that. Now, she’s just here to keep the momentum rolling, one spike at a time. And just like that—boom—spring’s rolled in, and while rivalries are heating up again, Coach Katie Schumacher-Cawley is still cool as ever. Any whispers of doubt about her leadership? Yeah, she’s brushing ’em off like court dust.
In a recent Big Ten Volleyball video on X, Katie Schumacher-Cawley didn’t hesitate when asked the big one: how’s Penn State gonna hold it down after losing some serious firepower? The host said it plain: “You lost some really good players that you won’t have back this coming season. Obviously, Izzy Starck was one of, if not the best, freshmen in the country a year ago.” But Katie wasn’t sweating it. With that calm coach energy, she replied, “I think we have quite a few leaders in the gym right now that are trying to find their way.” No panic. Just vibes and hard work.
She was all about lifting up her returning squad. Katie said, “We have Gill Grimes coming back, Caroline Jurevicius, Maggie Mendelson, Jordan Hopp as a senior.” And just to sprinkle in more confidence, she added, “I think everyone will make an impact.” She wasn’t done hyping her young stars either: “Of course, Izzy and, even Ava Falduto played a ton last season as a freshman.” And when it comes to next steps, she made it clear: “I look for all of them to continue to make an impact and to pull the others along with them.” Translation? Penn State’s still locked, loaded, and ready to shake up the court this spring.
“I think everyone will make an impact.”@PennStateVBALL’s Katie Schumacher-Cawley on her 2025 squad ahead of tonight’s spring match vs. Pitt #B1GToday x #B1GVolleyball pic.twitter.com/VUQhBFYtUF
— Big Ten Volleyball (@B1GVolleyball) April 9, 2025
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