Katie Schumacher-Cawley’s breast cancer diagnosis hit her like a freight train in September 2024. However, with the 2024 NCAA volleyball season at the door, Schumacher-Cawley made the decisive decision to soldier on. “I’m going to be healthy, and I will get through this,” said the 44-year-old volleyball coach as she turned up for practice despite undergoing chemo.

Now, nearly two months after becoming the first female coach to win the NCAA volleyball title, the Penn State coach has reached another milestone. Schumacher-Cawley took to Instagram to post about her heroic battle with cancer that finally came to an end. “Well, we did it! Six rounds of chemo—done!” said the Penn State volleyball coach gleefully.

“Today, I rang the bell, marking the end of this chapter. What a journey it has been,” Katie Schumacher-Cawley shared from the Perelman Center for Advanced Medicine. However, the Penn State coach wasted no time in thanking those who helped her through this ordeal. First on the long list were the ones closest to Coach Cawley, the pillars of her support.

“To Mike, Stella, Nora, Shea, and my Mom—you have seen the absolute worst of this battle, yet never wavered. You wrapped me in love, strength, and resilience when I needed it most,” the Big10 title-winning coach wrote in the caption. Schumacher-Cawley’s battle with stage-two breast cancer wasn’t an easy one. Although the coach soldiered on, it took quite a toll on her body.

The resistance she showcased every day became apparent when after Penn State’s stunning comeback in the 2024 NCAA Championship semifinals. “I’m tired. I don’t know about you guys,” Katie Schumacher-Cawley said after taking her time to arrive at the post-match press conference. While the Nittany Lions pulled off a miraculous comeback, there was no hiding the stress.

Still, Coach Cawley knew she couldn’t do it without the support from everyone at her alma mater, and so she thanked them next. The coach thanked everyone from her coaching team to the nurses, and especially her players. “My players—your energy, your humor, your presence every single day fueled me in ways you may never fully understand,” said the 44-year-old. However, it was Schumacher-Cawley’s spirit that inspired them.

How Katie Schumacher-Cawley’s perseverance rubbed off on the Nittany Lions

Shortly after her diagnosis, the trailblazing coach explained how being among the team and attending practice helped her in her battle against cancer. “Being around this team and the staff is when I feel most normal,” she told ESPN. However, what she may not have realized right away was how her spirit of perseverance inspired the likes of Jess Mruzik & Co.

Mruzik said how watching their coach guide them while fighting cancer gave everyone a new perspective. Meanwhile, Taylor Trammell said that not even cancer and an exhausting treatment like chemotherapy could dim the “fire and intensity” of Katie Schumacher-Cawley. The Nittany Lions showed just much of their coach’s never-quit attitude rubbed off on them when they 2-0 down against Nebraska in the semis.

In fact, Schumacher-Cawley’s immense bravery even earned her opponent’s respect. The 44-year-old’s counterpart and the other half of the first all-female-led NCAA Championship final, Dani Busboom Kelly also tipped her hat to Cawley. “I cannot imagine going through a season going through chemotherapy and what that must have been like.” said DBK.

“She hasn’t missed a practice all year, and that makes it even more incredible to me that she’s been able to do that.” added the new Nebraska Huskers head coach. However, now with the chapter final behind her, Katie Schumacher-Cawley is ready to prepare for a new season, cancer-free.