The 2024/25 college volleyball transfer portal has been full of surprises. Orlando Valkyries’ Amy Pauly alleged some coaches tampered with the rules to coax players to join their teams within 48 hours of the window opening. Multiple star players left their teams despite successful seasons, such as Eva Hudson, Chloe Chicoine, and others leaving Purdue. However, after Katie Schumacher-Cawley’s latest post, it seems the surprises are yet to come.

That is because the first female coach to win the NCAA Championship title has dropped a cryptic message amidst the transfer season’s chaos. Schumacher-Cawley’s post didn’t even contain a single word except the hashtag – we are. Instead, the coach posted a red siren emoji, accompanied by eight stars and a cheering megaphone. And while this means nothing at face value, the fact that transfer season is underway has left fans speculating if it’s a prelude to a big announcement.

While fans wished for Katie Schumacher-Cawley’s speedy recovery amid her cancer treatment, others caught on that the Penn State coach’s post may be a clue. “8-star recruit,” commented a fan, hinting at the value of the player who may soon be joining the Nittany Lions. However, such speculation isn’t unfounded, as Wisconsin’s coach pulled a similar stunt before a major transfer.

Wisconsin Volleyball Coach Kelly Sheffield took to X on December 12, 2024, just post a single word. “BINGO!!” posted the coach, confusing Badgers fans. Thankfully, their confusion only lasted an hour, as Ohio State’s Grace Egan announced she’d join the Badgers just an hour after Coach Sheffield’s post. “Badger Family,” wrote Egan while making the announcement.

While no volleyball start has responded to Katie Schumacher-Cawley’s post yet, many believe that the 44-year-old is teasing a big announcement. In fact, if it turns out to be true, this won’t even be the first exciting signing for Penn State during the ongoing transfer season.

Katie Schumacher-Cawley has only added to a transfer season filled with drama

The former Nittany Lion player-turned-coach’s cryptic post has fanned the flame of speculation among fans. Yet, this isn’t the first Penn State transfer-related news that’s created a buzz among the fan base. Penn State fans got a pleasant surprise back in December when an exciting prospect joined the ranks of the defending champions.

Ohio State’s 6’4″ outside hitter Emmi Sellman made quite a splash when she announced she’d join the Nittany Lions. Sellman came to Penn State with an impressive record of 128 kills on 20 games for Ohio State. However, even if Katie Schumacher-Cawley’s cryptic post ultimately leads to the reveal of a new player, she would only be adding to the already existing transfer portal drama.

That’s because Coach Amy Pauly’s criticism and the four stars leaving Purdue were only the start. Since December, Purdue has signed six players to their roster, while the 2022 and 2023 national champion Texas Longhorns lost key players to the transfer portal and graduation. However, what Olympic volleyball star Sarah Pavan found “shocking” was how Texas hadn’t signed a single player heading into the new year. However, despite the clues and the speculation, it’s impossible to know for sure what Katie Schumacher-Cawley hinted at unless the history-making coach reveals it.