UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – Penn State’s Katie Schumacher-Cawley, a national champion as both a player and a coach with the Nittany Lions, has agreed to a contract extension to remain as the head women’s volleyball coach through the 2030 season.
“We are excited to have Katie leading our program for years to come,” said Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Pat Kraft. “She demonstrated remarkable leadership in overcoming challenges this season and served as an outstanding role model for the young women on our team. Her journey has resonated with so many, inspiring those who watched her guide the Nittany Lions. Winning the 2024 NCAA Championship is a testament to the program’s rich history and the bright future ahead for Penn State Women’s Volleyball.”
Schumacher-Cawley guided Penn State to its eighth national title in just her third season as the program’s head coach in 2024, and in doing so became the first female head coach to lead a team to an NCAA Division I Women’s Volleyball Championship. The run was nothing short of magical as the Nittany Lions went 35-2, won their first Big Ten title since 2017, hosted and won a regional at Rec Hall for the first time since 2017, and went on to beat No. 3 Nebraska and No. 4 Louisville in the semifinal and final rounds to solidify their spot as the top team in the country.
“I am beyond thrilled and deeply honored to be a part of Penn State,” Schumacher-Cawley said. “Representing this incredible University, our storied volleyball program, and the passionate Penn State community is a privilege that carries profound meaning to me. The legacy built by those who came before us is the foundation of our success, and it is my responsibility, and our duty to uphold the tradition, pride, and relentless pursuit of excellence that defines this program.
“Penn State Volleyball is more than a team; it is a standard, a culture, and a family bound by an unwavering commitment to greatness. Every student-athlete, coach, and staff member who has ever worn Blue & White has contributed to something bigger than themselves, and it is that history, that expectation, that drives us forward. I want to extend great thanks to Dr. Pat Kraft for his unwavering support and belief in me. His trust and vision allow us to continue fostering an environment where student-athletes can grow, push their limits, and achieve excellence – not just on the court but in every aspect of their lives. His leadership and commitment to this program make it possible for us to strive for more every single day.”
Fueled by one of the best crowds in the nation, the Nittany Lions went a perfect 20-0 at Rec Hall in 2024, including four wins in the NCAA Tournament. All of this came during a season in which Schumacher-Cawley announced publicly a breast cancer diagnosis in October.
A two-time All-American at Penn State, Schumacher-Cawley took over the program in 2022 after spending four seasons as an assistant under legendary head coach Russ Rose. She is just the third head coach in the 49-year history of Penn State women’s volleyball.
Penn State advanced to the NCAA Tournament in each of Schumacher-Cawley's first three seasons as head coach, helping the program extend its streak to 44 consecutive appearances. The Nittany Lions advanced to the Regional Semifinal in each of the first two seasons before breaking through with the title in 2024. The championship run included a reverse sweep over No. 3 Nebraska in the National Semifinal in a match Penn State trailed 22-16 in the fourth set before coming back to win 28-26.
In Schumacher-Cawley's three seasons as head coach at Penn State, the Nittany Lions have had players earn six AVCA All-America honors, nine AVCA All-Region accolades and 11 All-Big Ten awards, including eight first-team selections. They were ranked all 48 weeks of the AVCA Coaches Poll while posting an overall record of 84-19 for an .816 winning percentage.
The Nittany Lions have been tough to beat on their home floor at Rec Hall in Schumacher-Cawley's three seasons, going 48-5 during that time. Included in those wins were a four-set victory over Nebraska to clinch a share of the 2024 Big Ten title and a five-set win over Creighton to advance to the 2024 NCAA Regional Semifinal.
“As we move forward, I remain dedicated to honoring the past while relentlessly pursuing the future,” Schumacher-Cawley said. “This program is built on heart, hard work, and the relentless pursuit of being the very best, and I am committed to leading with that same passion. The standard here is high – and rightfully so. Together, we will continue to embrace the challenge, push boundaries, and represent Penn State with pride, strength, and an unshakable commitment to excellence. I can’t imagine being anywhere else.”