Schumacher-Cawley delivers powerful message at 2025 ESPYs

It was an emotional night for Nittany Nation on Wednesday as Penn State volleyball coach Katie Schumacher-Cawley was honored with the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance at the 2025 ESPYs award show. After battling through breast cancer while leading the Nittany Lions to the program’s eighth national championship last fall, Schumacher-Cawley’s message was one of hope, belief, and endurance.

“This past year has been one that I could have never imagined,” she said during her acceptance speech. “It’s been filled with challenges, with grit, with tears, but also with perspective, purpose, and unbelievable love. 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.”

Through every challenge, she stood tall—with strength, grace, and unwavering heart. Tonight, we celebrate Katie Schumacher-Cawley, recipient of the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance. A true embodiment of courage. 💙

🎥: @espn #WeAre pic.twitter.com/jMcwEavXh9

— Penn State Athletics (@GoPSUsports) July 17, 2025

ESPN showed a behind-the-scenes look into Schumacher-Cawley’s battle with stage two breast cancer, including long trips for treatment at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia that left the third-year head coach physically and emotionally drained. Despite the toll on her body, Schumacher-Cawley showed up for practice every day, inspiring the Nittany Lions to an improbable reverse sweep of Nebraska in the Final Four and national title victory over Louisville last December.

“She told us: If I have to sit down every second until we walk out of that door, I’ll do it. But when we’re out that door and the lights are on and we’re going, I’m in it,” assistant Megan Hodge Easy said of Schumacher-Cawley’s message to her coaching staff.

You can watch ESPN’s full feature on Schumacher-Cawley here.

The Jimmy V Award for Perseverance is named after late NC State basketball coach Jim Valvano. It recognizes individuals in the sports world who exemplify hope while overcoming personal or professional challenges. In tribute to the award’s namesake, Schumacher-Cawley rallied all those battling cancer to stay in the fight.

“I share this with everyone who has ever faced this disease: the survivors, those still fighting, and the ones we’ve lost – especially my dad – this is for you. Keep showing up. Keep believing. And please never, ever give up.”

Penn State volleyball returns to action on August 23 with a matchup against Creighton at the AVCA First Serve Showcase in Lincoln, Nebraska.

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