Penn State volleyball head coach Katie Schumacher-Cawley has experienced more in the past 12 months than some people do in a lifetime.
She’s faced highs and lows that inspired the nation. Schumacher-Cawley was diagnosed with breast cancer in September. Despite her battle, she remained on the sidelines and guided PSU to its best season in a decade.
The Nittany Lions won the 2024 national championship, defeating Louisville in four sets (25-23, 32-34, 25-20, 25-17) and claiming their eight crown. It was a remarkable accomplishment for Schumacher-Cawley, returning to her home program and delivering the first title since 2014.
On Wednesday, Schumacher-Cawley received an award that transcends volleyball and a national championship.
At the 2025 ESPYS, Schumacher-Cawley was named the recipient of the 2025 Jimmy V Perseverance Award following her battle with breast cancer.
“I’m beyond humbled and truly grateful for this moment,” Schumacher-Cawley said after receiving the award. “This past year has been one I could have never imagined. It’s been filled with challenges, grit, tears, but also with perspective, purpose, and unbelievable love.”
Schumacher-Cawley rang the bell on February 10 after six rounds of chemo and a near six-month battle, officially being declared cancer free.
“Well, we did it! Six rounds of chemo — done! Today, I rang the bell, marking the end of this chapter,” Schumacher-Cawley said on Instagram. “What a journey it has been. There are truly no words to express how deeply grateful I am for the unwavering support from every corner of my life.”
“Cancer changed my life, but it didn’t take it,” she said. “It didn’t take my belief, it didn’t take my spirit, and it didn’t take my team.”
Schumacher-Cawley thanked her family in State College, Chicago, and Pittsburgh for their support, including her husband and children.
“You’ve been my rock and my strength,” Schumacher-Cawley said. “You showed up in every moment, even the hard ones, with love, humor, and unwavering support.”
Add Nittany Sports Now as a preferred source in Google! Click here to add us.She also thanked her doctors at UPenn and Mount Nittany Medical.
“The medical professionals who help so many of us are such heroes,” Schumacher-Cawley said.
She started her speech in a lighter note, thanking ESPN and highlighting Penn State football legend Saquon Barkley.
“Thank you to ESPN and the ESPYS for having me.” Schumacher-Cawley said. “Congratulations to all of tonight’s winners, especially my guy Saquon. Fly Eagles (Fly). Penn Stater! Let’s go. I know, I’m sitting here with some Ohio State guys. That’s alright. I have love for you.”
Members of the Penn State volleyball team accompanied Schumacher-Cawley to Los Angeles and the ESPY awards and were shown in the upper galley during her award speech.
“Thank you to my team and my former players,” Schumacher-Cawley said. “You inspired me everyday to keep fighting and reminded me what it means to be part of something bigger than yourself. That jersey we wear means everything and the bond we share is unbreakable.”
She concluded by thanking the Jimmy V foundation and saying she will fight with Dylan, a Make A Wish child she met this week that has a fight ahead of him. She also mentioned her late father.
“I share this with everyone who’s ever faced this disease,” Schumacher-Cawley said. “The survivors, those still fighting, and with the ones that we’ve lost, especially my dad. This one’s for you. Keep showing up, keep believing, and please never, ever give up.”
The Nittany Lions begin their title defense in Lincoln, Nebraska. Penn State opens the 2025 season at Creighton on August 23 at AVCA First Serve.
PSU will play Arizona State and TCU in Pittsburgh at PPG Paints Arena from August 31-September 1. The first match inside Rec Hall is on September 5 against the Kentucky Wildcats in the 2025 Penn State Invitational.
