Just a few days ago, the No. 4 Penn State women’s volleyball team kept their Big Ten title hopes alive with a clean 3-0 sweep over Rutgers at Jersey Mike’s Arena. The sets—25-12, 25-22, and 25-20—were a masterclass in dominance. Then, the Nittany Lions headed back to Happy Valley, boasting a stellar 28-2 overall record and 18-1 in the conference. But this season isn’t just about stats—it’s about heart, resilience, and a coach who’s leading her team through more than just volleyball battles.

On October 17, Penn State’s head coach, Katie Schumacher-Cawley, shared an emotional post on Instagram, revealing her breast cancer diagnosis. She admitted it was a lot to process, but her fighting spirit shone through as she pledged to keep coaching, thanking her staff and players for their support. Despite everything she’s facing, Katie has guided her team to an incredible 28 victories this season, proving what true strength looks like. And now, here comes the drumroll—because this season just added another win, one that’s extra special and historic.

Penn State Volleyball’s historic win!

On November 29, Penn State volleyball took on the Huskers at home, and guess what? They added another jewel to their crown with an electrifying win! The celebration was loud and proud as NCAA Volleyball took to X to share the fantastic news: after a seven-year wait, the Nittany Lions have reclaimed the Big Ten title—their 18th overall—and the roar in Happy Valley could probably be heard across the state!

Penn State, ranked No. 4, defeated No. 2 Nebraska in an intense 3-1 showdown at Rec Hall, with set scores of 25-21, 14-25, 25-22, and 25-23. Not only did the Lions hand the Huskers their first Big Ten loss of the season, but they also clinched a share of the coveted Big Ten crown. Meanwhile, the story isn’t over yet for Nebraska; they still have a shot at sharing the title if they secure a win over Maryland this Saturday. The No. 2 Nebraska volleyball team’s impressive 25-match win streak came to a heartbreaking end on Friday night in a 3-1 loss to No. 4 Penn State at Rec Hall, in front of a roaring crowd of 6,597.

With this victory, Penn State (29-2, 19-1 B1G) secured at least a share of the Big Ten title, marking their first win over Nebraska since 2018. The Huskers (28-2, 18-1 B1G) now face a must-win matchup against Maryland on Saturday in their regular-season finale to claim a share of the Big Ten crown with the Nittany Lions. Yet, even with the loss, this game for Nebraska held something far more significant than just the title as they played for something special.

Penn State and Huskers’ crossover!

You heard it right! Even though the Huskers fell short in their matchup, they carried with them something much deeper than just a win. Before the game kicked off on November 29, Sushiskers, the passionate Nebraska volleyball fan page, shared a heartwarming update on X: “The girls are wearing pink bows for Coach Schumacher-Cawley, awhhh!” It may have been a small gesture, but the love and support packed into those pink ribbons were nothing short of powerful.

Penn State Volleyball’s coach, Katie Schumacher-Cawley, has been nothing less than a beacon of strength. In October, she courageously revealed her breast cancer diagnosis to the world—a heavy burden for anyone. Yet, despite everything, she’s remained steadfast with her team, leading them to a remarkable 26-2 record and a coveted No. 4 ranking in the AVCA poll. Those pink bows? They’re more than just a symbol; they’re a tribute to her incredible resilience, her fighting spirit, and the unity that binds her team.

But the respect doesn’t stop there. Nebraska’s head coach, John Cook, has also shared his admiration for Katie’s unwavering leadership. When asked about her ability to lead while battling cancer, Cook’s response was filled with nothing but praise. He reflected on her toughness and determination, comparing her to the resilient player she once was. “She’s tough,” he said, acknowledging how she’s proven to be an inspiration not only for her team but for all who witness her journey. And while the Huskers didn’t come out on top in the match, they claimed a victory where it counts most—in the hearts of many.