Katie Schumacher‑Cawley: A Journey of Leadership, Resilience, and Triumph
Introduction
Katie Schumacher‑Cawley stands as a beacon of leadership in collegiate athletics—a former All‑American player turned pioneering coach whose vision, determination, and character have defined a remarkable career. Born in Chicago in 1980, she has ascended through the ranks of volleyball to become the third head coach in Penn State women’s volleyball history, guiding the Nittany Lions to a national championship while courageously battling breast cancer. This post explores her journey—athletic excellence, coaching milestones, personal resilience, and the legacy she continues to build.
From Player to Coach—Charting an Extraordinary Path
Early Life & Playing Career
Katie grew up in Morgan Park, Chicago, where she excelled in volleyball and basketball at Mother McAuley High School—winning two state volleyball titles and earning Hall of Fame honors by 2003 and 2008. She attended Penn State (1998–2001), where she became a two-time All‑American, three‑time All‑Big Ten, and NCAA champion in 1999 .
Coaching Roles & Rise to Leadership
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2002: Volunteer Assistant at Illinois
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2003–2009: Assistant coach at UIC
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2009–2016: Head coach at UIC, amassing 113 wins (3rd all-time)
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2017: Head coach at Penn—matched Ivy League highs (12–11 record) 2018–2021: Associate head coach at Penn State under Russ Rose 2022–Present: Head coach at Penn State—leading the program into a new era
Breaking New Ground at Penn State
Historic 2024 Season
In just her third season, Katie made history by becoming the first female coach to lead a Division I women’s volleyball team to an NCAA championship—securing Penn State’s eighth national title with a 35–2 record . The season also featured their first Big Ten title since 2017 and an undefeated home record during the tournament.
Schumacher‑Cawley’s 2024 Season Achievements
| Achievement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Overall Record | 35–2 |
| Big Ten Title | First since 2017 |
| NCAA Championship | 1st as head coach (Penn State’s 8th overall) |
| Historic Coaching Record | First female D‑I coach to win NCAA title |
| National/U.S. Coaching Awards | Big Ten Coach of the Year, Volleyball Magazine Coach of Year |
| Coaching Efficiency | 84–19 record (.816) in first three seasons |
Embracing Adversity—Cancer Diagnosis & Unwavering Perseverance
Battling Breast Cancer
In October 2024, Katie bravely shared her Stage 2 breast cancer diagnosis. Remarkably, she continued coaching throughout her treatment, embodying courage and determination while leading her team to victory. She announced completing chemotherapy in February 2025.
Recognized for Perseverance
Her resilience was nationally acknowledged at the 2025 ESPY Awards, where she received the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance, earning a standing ovation from peers and fans alike. In her emotional acceptance speech, she shared:
“Cancer changed my life, but it didn’t take my belief. It didn’t take my spirit.”
Transformational Coaching & Leadership
Cultivating Excellence on the Court
Over her first three seasons, Penn State consistently returned to the NCAA tournament—extending a 44-year streak —and achieved:
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6 All‑America, 9 All‑Region, and 11 All‑Big Ten honors in players
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First undefeated regular-season home record since dynastic years
Player Development & Recruiting
Katie recruited top talent—like freshman Izzy Starck (Freshman of the Year) and Ava Falduto—who helped guide the team to a 11–1 season start in 2024. She empowers players on and off the court through holistic development and mentorship.
Off the Court—Personal Life & Broader Impact
Family and Community
Katie is married to Mike Cawley, a former college and pro football player. They have three daughters, and the family actively supports her resilience journey from Chicago to Happy Valley.
Academic & Personal Excellence
An alumna of Penn State, she balances athletics with academic rigor—exemplifying Core values to her student-athletes—and has earned multiple coaching awards (e.g., Big Ten Coach of the Year 2024) .
Ten Hallmarks of Schumacher‑Cawley’s Legacy
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Trailblazing coach: First female D‑I volleyball coach to win an NCAA title.
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Championship pedigree: Winner as both player (1999) and coach (2024).
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Elite educator: Developed multiple All‑Big Ten and All‑America players.
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Award-winning leadership: Big Ten Coach of the Year, national honors.
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Unmatched resilience: Coached through a cancer diagnosis and treatment.
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Inspirational public voice: Jimmy V Award recipient at ESPYs.
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Winning culture architect: Restored Penn State’s dominance.
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Player developer: Impact on recruits like Izzy Starck & Ava Falduto.
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Role model for balance: Excelling in athletics, family, community.
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Legacy beyond wins: Inspires future generations of coaches and athletes.
Looking Ahead—Future Treks & Continued Excellence
2025 Season & Beyond
Katie enters her fourth season with high expectations. Penn State, as defending NCAA champions, will aim to sustain momentum in the Big Ten and beyond
Long-Term Vision
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Expand program dominance in recruiting and championships
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Mentor future leaders in sports and life
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Continue advocacy—using her platform for health awareness and female empowerment
Conclusion
Katie Schumacher‑Cawley’s journey is both exceptional and deeply human. From her days as a standout athlete to ascending as a national-champion coach, and fighting a personal health battle with grace, she defines leadership through action. Her commitment to excellence, unwavering spirit, and transformative impact inspire not just her team, but the broader sports world.
As she guides Penn State into the next chapter, Katie’s legacy—on and off the court—continues to resonate with determination, hope, and the power of resilience.
