Back in December last year, the Penn State Nittany Lions clinched their eighth NCAA D1 volleyball title by beating Louisville in four sets at the KFC Yum! Center. While that was obviously a testament to the athletes’ on-court prowess, it was also a major personal milestone for coach Katie Schumacher-Cawley. Not only did she lead the program to the national triumph, but she did so while battling stage 2 breast cancer. That feat deserved all the laurels in the world, and the veteran coach couldn’t be more thankful.

Right after Penn State’s victory, Vice President Kamala Harris took to X to laud Schumacher-Cawley for her perseverance. “Her historic victory and perseverance this season are an inspiration to so many,” Harris wrote in a post. On Wednesday night, the volleyball coach received yet another tribute to her grit as she was honoured with the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance at the 2025 ESPYs. For comprehensible reasons, Katie was emotional afterwards.

After her ESPYs honor, Schumacher-Cawley went on Instagram on July 20 to post a heartfelt message underscoring her jubilation. “I am beyond grateful for everyone who made it possible and for all that my family and I were able to experience thanks to the incredible generosity and heart of @vfoundation, @papahops19, @espn, and the entire ESPY’s team,” she wrote in her social media update, “It was more than just an event—it was a reminder of the power of people, purpose, and perseverance.”

Highlighting that her journey through the turmoil has been tough, but one that was worth experiencing, Schumacher-Cawley went on, “Life has a way of throwing you off course at times, but I truly believe we find the people we need when we need them most,” as she thanked everyone who stood by her over the years. “Together, we’ve learned that while life may not always be easy, with the right people in your corner, the path forward always reveals itself,” the Penn State head coach acknowledged how the uphill climb always felt a little easier, having people beside her to share the burden.

2025’s national title-winning campaign was significant for multiple reasons. Along with defeating cancer to win the NCAA trophy, Schumacher-Cawley also became the first-ever female volleyball coach to do so. Quite a milestone moment for the sport in general, indeed! Under Katie’s guidance, the Nittany Lions wrapped up their season with a 35-2 overall record to claim both the national and the Big 10 titles. Obviously, the coach is eager to see if the team can maintain the momentum.

“I’m pressing forward with a full heart, and I hope you’re as excited as I am to see what this 2025 team is capable of,” she chimed in her IG post. And Schumacher-Cawley does have a lot to look forward to! Among other things, the upcoming season will see the chapter of her rivalry with Dani Busboom Kelly.

Katie Schumacher-Cawley will get to lock horns with a familiar foe

DBK was named the new head coach of the Nebraska Huskers earlier this year when John Cook announced his retirement after 25 years at the helm of the program. With her new squad by her side, Kelly, the ex-Louisville head coach, will have the chance to even things out with Katie Schumacher-Cawley this time around. However, even Dani cannot help but admire her peer for the grit she displayed.

Katie learned about her cancer in September 2024. But instead of letting the news shatter her, the coach took the moment as a sign to keep fighting. Despite undergoing chemotherapy, Schumacher-Cawley didn’t miss any matches or even practice sessions. For her colleagues, that was something truly commendable, and Kelly was also an admirer of the resilience shown by the Penn State coach.

Just days before their NCAA final clash, Kelly lauded Katie for her fight against cancer. “I cannot imagine going through a season going through chemotherapy and what that must have been like. She hasn’t missed a practice all year, and that makes it even more incredible to me that she’s been able to do that,” the former Louisville boss told ESPN about Schumacher-Cawley.

But while the new Huskers’ coach will look to get one back at Katie, the Penn State coach won’t be without people looking out for her, either. After her ESPYs win, Schumacher-Cawley spoke to her family and the Penn State squad from the stage, “Cancer changed my life, but it didn’t take it. It didn’t take my belief, it didn’t take my spirit, and it didn’t take my team…You’ve been my rock, my strength, you gave me mine. You showed up in every moment, even the hard ones, with love, humor, and unwavering support.”

But will that camaraderie shine through this season once again? What do you think of Penn State’s chances of defending the national title? Tell us!