Katie Schumacher-Cawley is the talk of Volley Town right now! The 2013 UIC “INSPIRE” award winner has been nothing short of unstoppable, both on and off the court. Coaching the Nittany Lions to an NCAA women’s volleyball championship in 2024, she’s inspired fans, athletes, and coaches alike—all while battling breast cancer! In a moment that melted hearts, even Louisville Cardinals’ coach Dani Busboom Kelly handed her a flower during the showdown. Katie didn’t just rewrite history as the first woman coach to lead her team to the victory stand—she did it with style and heart.

On December 26th, she dropped an emotional bombshell on Instagram. “This year brought its share of challenges, but it was also filled with some of the most rewarding moments I’ve ever experienced,” Katie wrote. “To say I’m proud of this team would be an understatement. They didn’t just show up—they rose to every occasion with true grit, resilience, and a commitment to grow. Their willingness to adapt, to learn, and to hold themselves accountable both on and off the court is what set them apart.” Like coach, like team! Even cancer couldn’t sideline Katie’s fierce determination to lead the Lions to dominate the college volleyball world.

The season’s grand finale on December 22 was pure adrenaline. Penn State outplayed Louisville in a thrilling 3-1 showdown (25-23, 32-34, 25-20, 25-17). The Lions came in swinging, leaving the Cardinals scrambling to defend. That third-set rebound? Absolutely clutch after Louisville snatched the second set in a wild 34-32 marathon, fending off 10 set points. Talk about drama!

Katie’s been weaving this kind of magic at Penn State for three years now, turning teamwork into an art form. And boy, has it paid off. The Nittany Lions broke their seven-year jinx, snagging the Big Ten title with a 29-2 overall record and a dominant 19-1 conference run. It’s their first Big Ten crown since 2017, and Katie Schumacher-Cawley’s squad made sure they weren’t stopping there.

Additionally, Penn State registered one loss in the season against Wisconsin. In the final four, repetitive attacks from the Lions caused the fall of the Nebraska Huskers. Penn State’s women’s volleyball stars maintained their depth throughout the season. Thanking her PSU team, colleagues, and everyone involved, she wrote, “You have made this year unforgettable, and I look forward to everything the future holds for us…” To her, that is a “part of something so special.”

With this current victory, Katie Schumacher-Cawley’s accolades are more dazzling. Her resilience and motivating stance are so remarkable that the US Vice President penned on the X handle, citing this recent victory and Katie’s perseverance in this season as “an inspiration to so many.” Indeed, it inspired so many that the fans began pouring their congratulatory messages for Katie Schumacher-Cawley. 

Fans give coach Katie Schumacher-Cawley her flowers

When the Nittany Lions hoisted that championship trophy, decked out in their iconic white-and-blue jerseys, it wasn’t just a win—it was a mic drop for Katie Schumacher-Cawley’s coaching genius. A fan summed it up perfectly: “An unforgettable journey. This PSU season warmed my heart!! Your team was a mirror reflection of YOU! Congratulations & continued blessings. 💖💪.” If there was ever a moment that screamed, ‘big shout-out needed,’ this was it.

Katie’s coaching magic isn’t just reserved for Penn State—it’s sprinkled across her entire career. Case in point: her time with the Quakers, where she helped them to a 12-11 record—their best since 2013. Fans know her impact, and they let her know it, too. “No one deserves it more!!! We love you, coach!!!” one fan cheered.

And let’s not forget her own Penn State days. A 2002 PSU graduate, Katie was a force of nature as a player, racking up 1,310 kills, 772 digs, and 299 blocks. She was part of the legendary 1999 championship team and bagged three Big Ten titles. Fans from back then still remember her vividly. One shared, “You are a true inspiration! I went to the PSU camps back in the late 90s/early 2000s when you played and helped at camp. You were someone I admired then and now, well you are a warrior and a hero. Keep fighting because you really do have so many in your corner – people you’ve never met, people there’s no way you would remember. ❤️” Talk about leaving a legacy! Katie Schumacher-Cawley’s winning ways didn’t stop there.

At UIC, she coached the Flames to 113 wins, third on the program’s all-time list. Fans there are just as loud with their love. “You are amazing, Katie!! A GOAT 🐐 🩷 A bad*ss CHAMPION, mom, coach, role model and more!! Congrats!” one fan gushed. Yep, Katie’s not just a coach—she’s a GOAT, a mom to three daughters, and a walking inspiration.

Even folks who don’t usually follow college volleyball are singing her praises. One admitted, “Coach, I don’t really follow college volleyball or Penn State. But what you and your team have accomplished is remarkable and unforgettable! Thank you Nittany Lions for making me a believer!” That’s the Schumacher-Cawley effect.

Katie was diagnosed with breast cancer just two months before this incredible season. Most people would’ve hit pause, but Katie Schumacher-Cawley? She hit turbo. Her team didn’t just survive—they thrived, turning what could’ve been a tough season into a history-making masterpiece.