Penn State solidified its reputation as a dominant force in volleyball by triumphing over Louisville with a score of 3-1 (25-23, 32-34, 25-20, 25-17) to secure the program’s eighth national championship. This win was especially historic as it marked the first championship match to feature two female head coaches, with Katie Schumacher-Cawley making history as the first woman to lead a team to an NCAA Division I volleyball title.
The Nittany Lions showcased an impressive performance, spearheaded by All-American outside hitter Jess Mruzik, who delivered an outstanding 29 kills. After exchanging victories in the first two sets, Penn State escalated their game in the third set. Although Louisville’s Charitie Luper and Sofi Maldonado Diaz collectively contributed 41 kills, the Cardinals struggled to bounce back after falling behind early in the fourth set.
The championship match was attended by a national-record crowd of over 21,000 fans at the KFC Yum! Center, further highlighting the growing popularity of women’s sports. Setter Izzy Starck was instrumental, providing an impressive 55 assists while the Nittany Lions’ defense effectively kept Louisville to a .196 hitting percentage.
This victory not only adds another title to Penn State’s accolades but also marks a significant milestone for women’s athletics, as Schumacher-Cawley’s groundbreaking accomplishment inspires future generations of female coaches and athletes alike.