The Nittany Lions are on their way to creating history! For the 21st time in program history and the first in 5 years, they’re about to play the NCAA regional finals, against the Bluejays at Rec Hall. And needless to say— it’s a do-or-die. However, looking at how the Penn State girls have fared so far, winning a four-set game against Marquette shouldn’t be an insurmountable hurdle.

More than anything, they have their visionary right by their side. Of course, we’re talking about the Penn State head coach, Katie Schumacher-Cawley. Despite going through a difficult time in her life at present, (she opened up about her cancer diagnosis recently), coach Schumacher-Cawley has led the women brilliantly! However, she credits them equally for everything— the support and the success.

Penn State volleyball is so much more than a team

In a recent press conference, coach Schumacher-Cawley was asked to present a piece of her mind about the current Penn State team, especially amid all that she’s been battling in her personal life. The question directed at her was, “I’m sure this is a story that a lot of people here are familiar with, the Creighton fans, volleyball fans; Can you just explain what this group has meant to you with some of the personal stuff you’ve gone through this year.”

It’s no surprise that the coach could hardly contain her pride. She honestly remarked, “You know, I’m just, I’m proud of this team, I’m proud of all of them, but I think the seniors have done a great job leading this group to where we’re at right now.”While the seniors have undoubtedly set the tone for success, Coach Schumacher-Cawley emphasized that every single one of the 16 players has played a vital role in the team’s achievements.

The Penn State coach praised her clan saying, “They work hard all the time, I think they are great teammates, they do the little things that separate them and that’s why we are in this position.” But as much as the team deserves credit, so does the coach. Battling her own challenges while leading the team to success is a testament to her resilience.

And no friend or foe is hesitant to accept this. Remember how the Purdue Boilermakers had given her a special tribute? Or the Huskers’ maestro John Cook hailed her cancer battle. Well indeed, Penn State has touched many historic firsts this season under coach Schumacher-Cawley. And here’s a small glimpse of it.

Penn volleyball’s 2024 success

The Penn State coach is confident of her pupils. She believes, they understand the purpose of every match well and rise to the occasion. No wonder, with a 3-1 victory over No. 2-ranked Nebraska on Nov. 29, the Penn State women’s volleyball team clinched a share of the Big Ten title. The conference title marked their 18th Big Ten crown in program history and made them the top seed in their region, no.3 otherwise.

Also, as the Penn State academic all-big ten honors were recently declared, 10 players from women’s volleyball were presented with the honors. And now, for the first time in the coach Katie Schumacher-Cawley era, Penn State is in the regional finals of the NCAA Tournament, thus the team is clearly ecstatic to battle it out. Thus, white-out conditions shall return to Rec Hall against Creighton, marking the importance of the occasion!