They say sequels are seldom on par with the original. But for Katie Schumacher-Cawley‘s case, things have been very different. When the Penn State alum took over the Nittany Lions’ volleyball program as the head coach in 2022, she had some big shoes to fill. However, Katie has been able to live up to the high standards that Russ Rose set during his 42 years at the helm, and how? In just her third season as the boss, Schumacher-Cawley won the NCAA title with her squad, and it looks like she will have more chances to repeat the feat, too!

A 2-time All-American during her own time as a Penn State student-athlete, Katie had a 2024 season that was marked by professional ups and personal lows. In October, she publicly announced she had been diagnosed with breast cancer but didn’t let that get in the way of the team’s thunderous campaign. Her iron will made it evident that her commitment to the program couldn’t be overshadowed by her own troubles. Maybe that’s why the college refused to cut ties with Schumacher-Cawley just yet.

On February 14, the official Penn State women’s Volleyball account gleefully took to X to announce that Katie Schumacher-Cawley has extended her contract with Penn State all through the 2030 season! “She’s staying home!” the social media update sonorously remarked on news of their national title-winning coach agreeing to remain the top boss of the program.

Lauding how Katie has been the perfect person to maintain Penn State’s legacy, Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Pat Kraft said, “She demonstrated remarkable leadership in overcoming challenges this season and served as an outstanding role model for the young women on our team. Her journey has resonated with so many, inspiring those who watched her guide the Nittany Lions.”

“I am beyond thrilled and deeply honored to be a part of Penn State. Representing this incredible University, our storied volleyball program, and the passionate Penn State community is a privilege that carries profound meaning to me,” Schumacher-Cawley, too,  could barely hide her excitement for the future as well. “Penn State’s special. The team has been very successful, and I think we will continue to be successful,” Katie could be heard talking about her feelings about being part of the incredible journey with one of the nation’s top women’s volleyball teams. However, this season, she will have to face steep challenges from her opponents who eagerly wait to show their own mettle.

Katie Schumacher-Cawley will have her work cut out for her

Defeating Nebraska to win the 2024 NCAA D1 Volleyball semifinals and Louisville in the finals, Katie Schumacher-Cawley became the first-ever female head coach to win the national championship. But this time it could be a bit of both the Huskers and the Cardinals that could look to spoil Schumacher-Cawley’s season.

Just weeks ago, Dani Busboom Kelly was announced as the new head coach for the Lincoln girls. The former coach of the Cardinals makes her return to her alma mater after coach John Cook helped establish the program as a formidable force over his twenty-five years at the top. In his retirement announcement presser, Cook enthusiastically approved Kelly’s appointment and even expressed his happiness about leaving behind the team in the hands of one of his former students.

Last season, Nebraska and Penn State shared the Big Ten title thanks to their incredible regular season records. But how will this season pan out? Will Katie Schumacher-Cawley’s presence inspire the Nittany Lions to defend their national title? Or will a new star arise at the end of this season? What do you reckon?