Amid all the buzz and the whirlwind of volleyball thrills, it’s time for Nebraska volleyball to bid farewell to the Big Ten Conference with just two games left on their journey. Last week was nothing short of magical—under the bright lights of senior night, the Huskers swept away No. 6 Wisconsin, leaving their fans roaring with pride. Now, the stakes are even higher as they head to University Park to clash with No. 4 Penn State in what promises to be a showdown of epic proportions.

Emily Ehman, a self-proclaimed “washed-up” volleyball player turned charismatic broadcaster, lit up X with her excitement, sharing, “It all comes down to this… Let’s crown a @B1GVolleyball champ!!! #4 @PennStateVBALL hosts #2 @HuskerVB & here’s how things could play out: If Penn State wins, they win at least a share. If Nebraska wins, they win the title outright.” But this game is more than just about titles and rankings for Nebraska. It’s a battle fought not just for themselves but for someone truly special.

Nebraska Volleyball playing with a meaning!

Sushiskers, the Nebraska volleyball fan page, shared the sweetest update on X this November 29, writing, “The girls are wearing pink bows for Coach Schumacher-Cawley, awhhh!” Such a small touch, but it’s packed with so much heart.

Penn State’s head coach, Katie Schumacher-Cawley, has been an absolute rock. Back in October, she shared on social media that she’d been diagnosed with breast cancer—a tough road, no doubt. But despite it all, she’s stayed right there with her team, leading the Nittany Lions to an incredible 26-2 record and snagging the No. 4 spot in the AVCA poll. Those pink bows? They’re not just cute—they’re a whole vibe of love, support, and fighting spirit.

As the Huskers gear up for their November 29 showdown against Penn State at University Park, this game carries a meaning far beyond the scoreboard. But this isn’t the first time Nebraska volleyball has made waves off the court for something deeply tied to breast cancer or their connection with Penn State’s resilient coach, Katie Schumacher-Cawley.

Huskers beyond the court!

In early October, Nebraska Volleyball didn’t just dominate Rutgers in straight sets with a decisive 25-15, 25-16, and 25-12 victory—it was a night wrapped in something much more meaningful. Before the first serve even soared, the Huskers lit up X with a heartwarming announcement: “It’s Pink Night at The Bob!”

The special event honored extraordinary honorary starters who had bravely faced the battle against breast cancer. And true to their word, the Huskers made it a night to remember, later sharing a heartfelt post that showcased these warriors standing tall. Their caption said it all: “We all fight together.”

But the story doesn’t stop there. Nebraska Volleyball’s head coach, John Cook, has also shown profound respect for Penn State’s coach, Katie Schumacher-Cawley. During a press conference, when a reporter asked him about her leadership amid her battle with cancer, his response was filled with admiration. He acknowledged the sheer grit it takes to balance coaching a top-tier team like Penn State while undergoing cancer treatment, calling her a fighter through and through. “I mean, it’s tough, but she’s tough. She was a tough player,” he said, reflecting on her journey both on and off the court.

Cook didn’t just praise her resilience—he highlighted the inspiration she brings to her team. He described her as a model of strength, determination, and unwavering commitment, saying, “She’s shown a lot of toughness and determination. And she’s probably very, very inspirational for her team to see that.”  And though the Huskers didn’t claim victory on the court, they certainly scored a win where it matters most—in the hearts of many.