With the NCAA season coming to an end, it’s time for the battle between Penn State led by Katie Schumacher-Cawley and Louisville volleyball led by Dani Busboom Kelly. Penn State made a jaw-dropping comeback with a reverse sweep against Nebraska in the 2024 semifinals—winning 23-25, 18-25, 25-23, 28-26, 15-13. This was the first time that one of the teams had come from behind to win a match in the semifinal stage since 2018.

On the other side, Louisville secured its second-ever NCAA National Championship appearance after taking down Pittsburgh in four sets, 21-25, 25-23, 29-27, 25-17, and reaching 30 wins for the season—a remarkable seventh 30+ win season in school history. In the midst of fierce competition, Louisville coach Dani Busboom Kelly took a moment to commend Penn State’s Katie Schumacher-Cawley, offering her “flowers” for the outstanding season.

In a recent report shared by ESPN.in, Dani Busboom Kelly reflected on her admiration for Katie Schumacher-Cawley, saying, “I cannot imagine going through a season going through chemotherapy and what that must have been like.” She continued, “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.” Busboom Kelly’s words capture the sheer strength and dedication Katie has shown throughout the season, pushing through every challenge with grace and determination.

Katie Schumacher-Cawley disclosed her breast cancer diagnosis in October earlier this year in an emotional Instagram post. She described the confusion of emotions she has been feeling while thanking her Penn State volleyball team and staff. “I want to take a moment to share something deeply personal with all of you. Recently, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. This news has been a lot to process, and as you can imagine, it has brought a range of emotions. But I’m approaching this with strength, determination, and an unwavering sense of hope.”

As Katie Schumacher-Cawley gears up to face Dani Busboom Kelly’s Louisville on December 22nd at the KFC Yum! Center, both coaches are ready to leave it all on the court. After an intense season of battling not just their opponents but personal challenges, these two powerhouses are set to make history. Whether it’s Penn State or Louisville emerging victorious, history is set to be made.

Katie Schumacher-Cawley vs Dani Busboom Kelly

Just a few days ago, a fan shared an incredible stat that has everyone talking: “No matter who wins on Sunday, we’ll have the first national champion female head coach.” This is NCAA Volleyball history in the making and we are privileged to witness it. On one side, Dani Busboom Kelly is passionately and effectively coaching Louisville; on the other side, Katie Schumacher-Cawley is coaching Penn State while fighting her own battles. These two incredible coaches have transformed their teams into formidable sides in the course of the years.

Katie Schumacher-Cawley was appointed as the head coach of Penn State Women’s Volleyball on January 10, 2022, and since then, she has been in the news. Schumacher-Cawley was an All-American twice and was a member of the Penn State’s National Championship team in 1999 and has been helping to foster the culture she helped establish by being an assistant under Russ Rose. Entering her third year as head coach, she has maintained the success of the Nittany Lions and their NCAA Tournament streak of 43 years. With such records such as beating top-ranked teams, the lady has produced a fearsome team like Penn State.

On the flip side, Dani Busboom Kelly has kept Louisville on a meteoric rise since taking over in 2016.  That is why she has all these achievements to her name — making the Cardinals a champion team year in, year out. The Lady Cardinals have done things that were never done before, From making Final Four appearances to clinching their first-ever No. 1 national ranking, Busboom Kelly has led Louisville to achieve heights never seen before in program history. Strong coaching staff and talented players like Claire Chaussee and Elena Scott receiving all-conference honors, Louisville remains successful under her leadership and placing her in the list of the best the NCAA volleyball has ever seen. So, which side are you on? Let us know in the comments!