Penn State’s Katie Schumacher-Cawley: Leading through resilience as a champion returns for a new season
Katie Schumacher-Cawley arrived at Big Ten Network studios in Chicago in late July for a full slate of media duties with a sharpened perspective. Now into her fourth season as Penn State’s head coach, she’s carried a year like few others, one that reshaped how she views every practice, every game, and every moment with her team.
A life-altering diagnosis and a championship run
In September 2024, Schumacher-Cawley, a Chicago native and former Mother McAuley state champion, was diagnosed with breast cancer shortly after the Nittany Lions opened their season. Her medical journey included six rounds of chemotherapy in the fall and winter, a double mastectomy in March, 15 rounds of radiation that ended in May, and ongoing maintenance chemotherapy. Yet in December, amid the fight, she guided Penn State to the national title game the year’s most remarkable comeback moment. The team’s national championship victory on December 22, 2024, made her the first female coach to win an NCAA Division I women’s volleyball title, a milestone that reverberated far beyond the gym.
The recognition extended beyond the title. Schumacher-Cawley’s perseverance was highlighted at the ESPYs, where she received the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance. Through every treatment cycle, she maintained the high standards and accountability that define her program, buoyed by a coaching staff and players who kept the gym routine consistent for the squad.
Family, faith, and a new lens on life
Her journey has given Schumacher-Cawley a new lens on life—one she hopes her players absorb. “Life is so short and so precious — I don’t take the little things for granted,” the coach said. “I hope that’s something the players can start to do … really just sit back and be present and enjoy the people around you.”
The daily balance of treatment and coaching proved exhausting at times. In Louisville’s national semifinal, with Penn State trailing 2-0 to Nebraska, Schumacher-Cawley delivered calm, steady guidance to national freshman of the year Izzy Starck: “Just relax and enjoy the moment and enjoy what’s happening right now.” The Lions surged back to win the next three sets and reach the championship match.
The gym became Schumacher-Cawley’s refuge, a place where she could momentarily shed the weight of her illness as she guided her team through practices and matches. Her players and staff alike leaned on her unwavering commitment, even as the road remained grueling.
The personal side of the journey
Schumacher-Cawley’s family—especially her mother, Cathy Schumacher, who moved from Chicago to stay with the family—played a crucial role. Cathy helped care for the three daughters as Schumacher-Cawley and her husband, Mike Cawley, juggled travel for chemo appointments with the needs of the team. Cathy recalls her daughter’s resilience, even on days when fatigue was overwhelming: “Toward the end, she would get pretty sick, but she would never show it.”
Hometown ties and the sport’s legacy
The Schumacher family has long lived and breathed sports excellence. Katie’s late uncle and other relatives have left their mark in football, while Katie herself once starred as a player at Penn State before moving into coaching. The 2024 title run added a historic chapter to the family’s sports story, with Cathy and the extended family gathered in Louisville to witness Penn State’s triumph.
Looking ahead to 2025: defending the title with a strong group
As the team shifts toward the 2025 season, Penn State is ranked No. 2 in the AVCA preseason poll, behind Nebraska, thanks to returning stars like Izzy Starck and Gillian Grimes and additions such as Kennedy Martin, a Florida transfer who brings depth to the roster. The Lions open their season Saturday against No. 12 Creighton at the AVCA First Serve tournament.
Schumacher-Cawley remains focused on the mission while continuing cancer treatments. She’s undergoing a lighter chemotherapy schedule—every three weeks through January—followed by reconstructive surgery. The treatments will be shorter (about 45 minutes) and can be administered in State College, not Philadelphia, reducing travel and fatigue. While some physical effects linger and hair loss remains a possibility, she is hopeful and determined to stay with her team.
Her message to the program is clear: persevere, stay present, and keep the work going. “There are really hard days, but a lot of people are battling, whether it’s cancer or another disease,” she said. “I just wanted to stay focused on my group and help them as much as I could.”
What this means for Penn State
– Leadership under pressure: Schumacher-Cawley’s journey underscores a leadership style rooted in steadiness, accountability, and care for players’ well-being.
– A resilient roster: The return of Starck and Grimes, along with Martin’s addition, positions Penn State to defend its title with depth and experience.
– A season of balance: The lighter chemo schedule and in-state treatments aim to keep Schumacher-Cawley engaged with practices and mentoring while continuing treatment.
– A broader impact: The story has energized conversations about perseverance, leadership, and the role of family support for athletes and coaches facing serious health challenges.
Summary
Katie Schumacher-Cawley has continued to lead Penn State through unprecedented challenges, balancing a demanding chemotherapy schedule with coaching duties as she guided the team to a historic national title and into a fresh season. Her blend of resilience, strategic leadership, and family support offers a powerful narrative about overcoming adversity while pursuing excellence on the court. The 2025 season presents a chance to defend the crown with a strong, experienced lineup and a coach whose impact extends well beyond volleyball.
Additional note for readers
Her journey highlights the importance of resilience in sports, the value of a supportive community, and the power of leadership that remains calm and focused even when the path is uncertain. The Penn State program appears poised to contend again, carrying forward a legacy defined by perseverance as much as by championships.