National Championship-winning coach speaks out on contract extension

It’s been quite the week for Katie Schumacher-Cawley. Less than two months after leading Penn State volleyball to its first National Championship in a decade, the third-year Nittany Lions head coach agreed to a contract extension that will keep her in Happy Valley through 2030.

“I am beyond thrilled and deeply honored to be a part of Penn State,” Schumacher-Cawley said in a statement released on Friday. “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.”

© Taj Falconer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Capturing the program’s eighth title in December, Schumacher-Cawley became the first female head coach to win an NCAA Division I Women’s Volleyball Championship. Schumacher-Cawley also helped lead Penn State volleyball to the school’s first national title as a player in 1999.

In three seasons since taking over for Russ Rose, the Nittany Lions have gone 84-19 and have remained ranked in the AVCA Coaches Poll for 48 straight weeks. Penn State has produced six AVCA All-American, nine AVCA All-Region, and 11 All-Big Ten players during Schumacher-Cawley’s tenure.

“State College is a wonderful place to call home, offering everything we could ever need as a family,” Schumacher-Cawley said. “From outstanding schools to high-level athletics, this town provides incredible opportunities for growth, learning, and competition.

“But beyond the education and sports, what truly sets State College apart is its unwavering sense of community. The people here genuinely care for one another, always ready to lend a hand, celebrate each other’s successes, and support one another through challenges. It’s a place where neighbors become family, and my daughters are fortunate to be surrounded by some of the most kind, driven, and compassionate individuals.

“Whether it’s game days that bring everyone together, the small moments that make everyday life special, or the deep-rooted values that shape this town, there’s no doubt – this is home.”

Schumacher-Cawley’s extension comes the same week as an even more important victory. Last Monday, Schumacher-Cawley announced that she was cancer-free after a four-month-long public battle with breast cancer.

What a last couple of months for Katie Schumacher-Cawley 🙂

The 2024 @PennStateVBALL national champion head coach is officially cancer-free.#B1GVolleyball pic.twitter.com/2qR4HpNJjY

— Big Ten Volleyball (@B1GVolleyball) February 12, 2025

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