Penn State has achieved a remarkable victory in women’s college volleyball, reclaiming the national championship title. In an intense four-set match, the No. 1 Nittany Lions triumphed over fellow top-seed Louisville at the KFC Yum! Arena in Louisville, Kentucky, securing the 2024 NCAA Division I women’s volleyball national championship with scores of 25-23, 32-34, 25-20, and 25-17. The championship-winning point came from a decisive kill by Camryn Hannah.
This victory is historic not only for the team but also for coach Katie Schumacher-Cawley, who made history by becoming the first woman head coach to lead a team to a Division I volleyball championship in NCAA history. After the match, she expressed her gratitude toward those who paved the way for her in the coaching profession, hoping her success would inspire more women to pursue coaching roles in the future.
This championship marks the Nittany Lions’ eighth national title, solidifying their position as one of the most successful programs in NCAA volleyball history, and it is their first championship win in over ten years. Furthermore, the match broke attendance records for the NCAA Division I volleyball national championship, with 21,860 spectators in attendance.
Despite a challenging moment in the second set, where they lost after having 10 set-point opportunities, the Nittany Lions rallied back to take the final two sets convincingly. Graduate outside hitter Jess Mruzik led the team’s performance with an impressive tally of 29 kills, 14 digs, and five blocks, earning her the title of NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player.
Schumacher-Cawley’s accomplishment carries an emotional weight, as the coach has been facing her own battle against Stage 2 breast cancer, which she publicly disclosed in October. Her journey has become an inspiration not just to her team but to many others as well.
Overall, Penn State concludes the season on a high note, extending their winning streak to 12 games and finishing with a strong record of 35-2. This championship is not just a testament to their skill and determination but also a powerful story of resilience and unity in the face of adversity.
As the Nittany Lions celebrate this significant achievement, they stand as a beacon of hope and inspiration in the world of collegiate athletics.