When it comes to sports, some teams go beyond the matches and become a family. This time, the volleyball community of Penn State stood out when they poured their love and support for Coach Katie as she fought against cancer.  

In September 2024, Katie Schumacher Cawley’s health took a rough turn. Frequent visits to the hospital and doctors became more common than visits to the court and university. However, she fought tough and hard to mark an end to her Stage 2 breast cancer while never compromising upon her roles and duties as the coach for the Nittany Lions. We know how much the team needed her, right? And that, without her, it wouldn’t have been easier to claim the 2024 NCAA championship title. But how did she do it all with so much physical strain? 

Unwavering support from every corner of the Penn State coach’s life 

Despite fighting her battle against the life-threatening disease, Coach Katie became the first woman head coach ever to win an NCAA championship. Holly Rowe, the American sports telecaster for ESPN, posted on X, “What can’t women do? Just incredible inspirational fighter. Sending you SO much love and support lady!” She wept as she wrote about her emotions while watching the Nittany Lions claim their title with their head coach, who did all this while fighting a battle against cancer. 

Even Katie addressed some of the challenges life brought to her. She expressed her emotions in an Instagram post that read, “This year brought its share of challenges, but it was also filled with some of the most rewarding moments I’ve ever experienced,” as she emphasized the ups and downs of her journey so far. But what could be more indelible yet memorable than highlighting the consistent efforts and love of the team that made her achieve this? To answer this question, here is what she had to say: “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.“ And when she stated “every occasion,” it was not just on and off the court; it was way too beyond! 

On and above everything, there was her family, who saw the worst of this battle that she fought. But they carried her with love, strength, and resilience throughout the journey. Then there’s her Penn State University family, the players, and the entire team staff, who have been actively fueling her with constant doses of support with heartfelt notes and thoughtful gifts. The coach wrote, “You remind me every day why I do what I do, and I’m beyond grateful for the lifelong connections we’ve built,” addressing everyone associated with Penn State Volleyball. And for the fans, who have been the roots of this community? She said that it is for their support too, that she stood stronger today as she completed her sixth round of chemotherapy and rang that bell. 

Fans celebrate the end of the battle

Coach Katie thanked her fans as she wrote, “And to those I have never met but who took the time to send letters and gifts—your words of encouragement have meant more than you know.” This clearly reflects how the Nittany Lion’s fans have created an incredible impact on her battle, even though they were never around her physically. 

While many have been congratulating and celebrating the strength she endured during this long battle, others wished and prayed for her health. One of them says, “You are a warrior! Ringing that bell must have felt so good. May this year be your healthiest yet 💙🤍,” as she completed her sixth chemo. For some, she became a true warrior! They said, “A true warrior and an inspiration,” as she continued to show up for her team, despite her poor physique and burdened emotions. Another one expresses their gratefulness by writing, “Wishing you your best health ahead! Wearing Eagles green today to celebrate your day 💚🦅💪. Looking forward to seeing your girls in the fall.”   

Well, you wouldn’t be surprised to see that people have expressed love from different parts of the world. One fan wrote, “Coach Katie, sending volleyball love from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.” Woah, all the way from Canada! While there was everyone who stood for her, there were the doctors, without whom she wouldn’t have made it so easily. As one of the fans wrote, “Thank God! God bless all the medical personnel involved in your treatment, you and your family,” taking a moment to thank the real heroes of Katie’s journey.