Katie Schumacher-Cawley, the head coach of the Penn State women’s volleyball team, has faced an immense challenge this season – a diagnosis of Stage 2 breast cancer in September. Yet with incredible strength, the support of her players, and an unshakable commitment to her team, Schumacher-Cawley has persevered, leading the Nittany Lions to the NCAA championship match.
The 44-year-old coach, now in her third season at the helm of Penn State, received the devastating news just as the volleyball season was getting underway. After several hospital visits and tests, Schumacher-Cawley was diagnosed with breast cancer and began treatment immediately. Despite the difficult road ahead, taking time off from coaching was never an option for her.
“Being around this team and the staff is when I feel most normal. For me, being at practice and in the gym with them makes it a whole lot easier.”
– Katie Schumacher-Cawley, Penn State Volleyball Head Coach
A Nittany Lion Through and Through
Schumacher-Cawley’s connection to Penn State volleyball runs deep. As a player, she helped the Nittany Lions win a national championship in 1999, amassing over 1,300 kills in her collegiate career. After serving as an associate coach for four years, she took the reins as head coach in 2022, succeeding the legendary Russ Rose.
Driven by her passion for the program and her players, Schumacher-Cawley refused to let her cancer diagnosis derail the team’s goals. Even during chemotherapy treatments, she showed up to every practice, a constant presence in her signature black cap. Her courage and determination inspired her players to fight harder on the court.
“Bigger than Us”
At the start of the season, the Penn State team gathered to select their core values. The most important one, which has guided them throughout this emotional journey, is “Bigger than Us.” For Schumacher-Cawley and her players, this mantra puts volleyball in perspective and emphasizes the strength of their bond.
“The way that Coach is able to come in and be the same every single day no matter what’s going on puts so much into perspective for us because this really is just a sport. Obviously, we want to win, and that’s what we’re here for. But at the end of the day, it’s just a game…”
– Jess Mruzik, Penn State Outside Hitter
Perseverance on the Court
Fueled by their coach’s resilience, the Nittany Lions have put together a remarkable season. With only two regular-season losses, Penn State earned a spot in the NCAA tournament. In a thrilling semifinal matchup against Nebraska, Schumacher-Cawley’s team staged an incredible reverse sweep, coming back from a 2-0 deficit to secure their place in the championship match.
Through it all, Schumacher-Cawley has remained a pillar of strength on the sidelines, quietly encouraging her players and offering tactical guidance. Her presence alone is a testament to her unwavering commitment to the team and the sport she loves.
Making History
As Penn State prepares to face Louisville in the NCAA championship match, Schumacher-Cawley and Cardinals coach Dani Busboom Kelly are set to make history. Regardless of the outcome, a woman head coach will become an NCAA champion for the first time in the sport’s history.
“I cannot imagine going through a season going through chemotherapy and what that must have been like. She hasn’t missed a practice all year, and that makes it even more incredible to me that she’s been able to do that.”
– Dani Busboom Kelly, Louisville Volleyball Head Coach
As the final match approaches, Schumacher-Cawley’s focus remains on her team. Her courage, perseverance, and unwavering dedication to Penn State volleyball have inspired not only her players but the entire volleyball community. Win or lose, Katie Schumacher-Cawley’s journey this season is a testament to the power of the human spirit and the unbreakable bond between a coach and her team.
