Penn State has reclaimed its position at the pinnacle of women’s college volleyball. In a thrilling match on Sunday, the top-ranked Nittany Lions triumphed over the equally formidable No. 1 Louisville in four sets, clinching the 2024 NCAA Division I women’s volleyball national championship. The final scores were 25-23, 32-34, 25-20, and 25-17, with Camryn Hannah delivering the championship-winning kill.
This victory marks a significant milestone in the history of NCAA volleyball, as it is Penn State’s eighth national title, making it the second-most in the sport’s history, and their first championship win in over a decade. Additionally, the win is historic for head coach Katie Schumacher-Cawley, who has become the first woman head coach to secure a Division I volleyball championship in NCAA history.
In her post-game interview, Schumacher-Cawley expressed gratitude to those who paved the way for her success and emphasized her hope for the future of women coaching in sports.
The championship match also set a new NCAA Division I volleyball national attendance record, drawing 21,860 spectators to the KFC Yum! Arena in Louisville. The Nittany Lions demonstrated their prowess despite facing challenges during the game, particularly in the second set where they had ten set-point opportunities but ultimately fell to the Cardinals 34-32, thanks in part to a stellar performance from Louisville’s Payton Peterson.
However, Penn State bounced back powerfully, decisively winning the final two sets. The standout player of the match was Jess Mruzik, who recorded an impressive 29 kills, 14 digs, and five blocks, earning the title of NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player.
This championship win holds even deeper significance for Schumacher-Cawley, who is bravely battling Stage 2 breast cancer, having gone public with her diagnosis in September. The emotional triumph serves as a testament to her resilience and leadership.
The Nittany Lions capped off their season with an impressive 12-game winning streak, finishing with a record of 35-2. This championship not only reinforces Penn State’s legacy in women’s volleyball but also inspires future generations of athletes and coaches to aspire to greatness, showcasing that dedication and perseverance can lead to monumental achievements.