It’s been over three months since that epic December showdown, but folks are still buzzing like it’s fresh off the court. Penn State didn’t just snag another banner—they stormed the NCAA women’s volleyball championship with fire in their veins and a legacy to reclaim. The Nittany Lions took down Louisville in four gritty, high-voltage sets (25-23, 32-34, 25-20, 25-17), locking in their eighth title and their first in over a decade. But here’s the real heart-tugger—Katie Schumacher-Cawley, who was diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer just four months prior, didn’t flinch. Nope. She stayed on the sidelines, clipboard in hand, coaching through chemo, fear, and fatigue. And oh, she made history too—first female coach to win a Division I volleyball natty.

“There have been so many before me… I’m so grateful,” she told ESPN, her voice echoing strength. With Jess Mruzik still glowing from her 29-kill heroics (and rocking that NCAA Tournament MOP title), the vibes in Happy Valley are sky-high. Katie’s not here to prove anything—she already did that. Now, she’s just here to keep the momentum rolling, one spike at a time. And just like that—boom—spring’s rolled in, and while rivalries are heating up again, Coach Katie Schumacher-Cawley is still cool as ever. Any whispers of doubt about her leadership? Yeah, she’s brushing ’em off like court dust.

In a recent Big Ten Volleyball video on X, Katie Schumacher-Cawley didn’t hesitate when asked the big one: how’s Penn State gonna hold it down after losing some serious firepower? The host said it plain: “You lost some really good players that you won’t have back this coming season. Obviously, Izzy Starck was one of, if not the best, freshmen in the country a year ago.” But Katie wasn’t sweating it. With that calm coach energy, she replied, “I think we have quite a few leaders in the gym right now that are trying to find their way.” No panic. Just vibes and hard work.

She was all about lifting up her returning squad. Katie said, “We have Gill Grimes coming back, Caroline Jurevicius, Maggie Mendelson, Jordan Hopp as a senior.” And just to sprinkle in more confidence, she added, “I think everyone will make an impact.” She wasn’t done hyping her young stars either: “Of course, Izzy and, even Ava Falduto played a ton last season as a freshman.” And when it comes to next steps, she made it clear: “I look for all of them to continue to make an impact and to pull the others along with them.” Translation? Penn State’s still locked, loaded, and ready to shake up the court this spring.

It feels like just yesterday when Rec Hall was bursting with cheers, confetti, and all the emotions as No. 4 Penn State Women’s Volleyball wrapped up Senior Day with a solid 3-1 dub over Big Ten rival Washington in November 2024. Camryn Hannah came out swinging—literally—with 19 kills while hitting a dreamy .405, and let’s not forget her firecracker ace that added to the team’s total of seven. She wasn’t the only one lighting it up—Jess Mruzik slid in with 12 kills and dropped a couple of aces too. And then there was Quinn Menger, who’s been out here serving aces like it’s brunch—12 of them over four matches.

Taylor Trammell and Anjelina Starck brought their own heat with blocks, digs, and that senior sparkle that just hit different. It was a send-off full of love, grit, and major game. And while those legendary seniors have now stepped out of the blue-and-white spotlight, Katie Schumacher-Cawley is totally locked in for what’s next. She knows the shoes left behind aren’t just big—they’re massive—but if there’s one thing Katie’s got, it’s that calm, cool, captain energy. With spring matches just around the corner, she’s already whipping up something special in the gym, with fresh faces stepping up and that classic Nittany Lion fire burning brighter than ever.

Katie Schumacher-Cawley and co. all set for spring game!

Penn State might’ve already snatched the crown in 2024, but guess what? The queens of the court still have unfinished biz. After clinching their eighth NCAA women’s volleyball title with a fiery 3-1 dub over Louisville, they’re back on home turf, ready to serve some revenge. Yup—Rec Hall’s about to light up again as the Nittany Lions welcome Pitt on April 9 for a spicy spring showdown. Free entry? Oh yeah. And with the Big Ten Network airing it live at 7 p.m. ET, this clash between the No. 1 and No. 3 finishers in last season’s AVCA rankings is about to be a whole vibe.

Coach Katie Schumacher-Cawley is steering the ship into her fourth season, and let’s just say—she’s kinda legendary. Not only did she lead the squad to a flawless 20-0 record at Rec Hall, but she also made history as the first woman to coach a Division I national champ. The reward? A shiny contract extension that keeps her in Happy Valley through 2030. But before the confetti fell, Pitt did hand Penn State one of their only two losses of the season—sweeping them 3-0 in front of 11,800 roaring fans last September. So yeah, the Lions have that one circled in red ink.

With stars like All-America setter Izzy Starck—aka the AVCA Freshman of the Year—plus All-Big Ten ballers Gillian Grimes and Caroline Jurevicius running it back, this spring match is more than just a friendly. It’s a warm-up wrapped in grit, payback, and Rec Hall magic. Don’t blink, ‘cause these Nittany Lions are about to roar again.