Penn State Women’s Volleyball Makes History: National Championship Victory Over Louisville
Katie Schumacher-Cawley and her Penn State Nittany Lions capped off an incredible season with a 3-1 victory over Louisville to claim the 2024 NCAA Division I Women’s Volleyball National Championship. Held at the iconic Yum Center in Louisville, this victory marked Penn State’s eighth national title—and the first under Schumacher-Cawley, who made history as the first female head coach to lead a team to a Division I women’s volleyball championship.
A Season of Resilience and Triumph
The Nittany Lions began their season with a fiery start, racking up eight consecutive wins. However, their campaign was soon overshadowed by heartbreaking news: head coach Katie Schumacher-Cawley was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer. Despite the diagnosis, Schumacher-Cawley displayed incredible resolve, attending every practice while undergoing treatment and urging her team to remain focused on one goal—winning it all.
Her determination fueled her players. “She helped us believe we could do this,” said Jess Mruzik, who played a pivotal role in the championship match. “With everything she’s doing, she showed us that we could achieve what we set out to do.”
The Championship Match
Penn State Dominates Early
Penn State stormed into the match, winning the first set decisively. By the second set, they were riding high with an 18-12 lead, looking poised to seize full control.
Louisville’s Remarkable Comeback
But Louisville, playing in front of a record crowd of 21,860 fans, had other plans. The Cardinals clawed their way back into the second set, fueled by an electrifying performance from Payton Petersen. Despite trailing 24-20 and staring down set point on 10 occasions, Louisville emerged victorious in a thrilling 34-32 marathon set.
“This win gave us hope,” said Louisville head coach Dani Busboom-Kelly. “We thought we could do it after that second set. We fought so hard, but Penn State was just better in some critical areas.”
Mruzik’s Heroics and a Historic Win
Penn State regained their composure in the third and fourth sets, thanks in large part to an outstanding performance by Jess Mruzik. The senior recorded 29 kills, 16 digs, and five blocks, cementing her status as the 2024 Tournament MVP. Her poise and leadership kept the Nittany Lions locked in when the stakes were highest.
A Story of Inspiration
Schumacher-Cawley’s journey to this historic title is nothing short of inspiring. A former Penn State player who won a championship in 1999 returned to her alma mater as head coach in 2022, following the legendary Russ Rose. In just three seasons, she led her team back to national glory, proving her mettle as a coach and role model.
Despite the triumph, Schumacher-Cawley remains humble and grounded, inspired by others facing even greater challenges. “Every day I walk into the hospital, I see kids across the street at the children’s hospital fighting battles I can’t even imagine,” she said. “I’ll get through this. This is just part of my journey.”
A Night to Remember
For Louisville, the loss marked their second national championship defeat in three years, with key player Anna DeBeer sidelined due to injury. However, the Cardinals showed grit and determination, setting the stage for future success under Busboom-Kelly’s leadership.
For Penn State, the victory was a culmination of a season defined by resilience, unity, and unwavering belief. The Nittany Lions proved that under the guidance of a historic coach, no challenge is insurmountable.
With their coach preparing for surgery in January and a bright future ahead for the program, Penn State is more than just champions—they’re a team that has redefined what it means to persevere and inspire.
This season wasn’t just about volleyball; it was about the power of belief, courage, and leadership. Katie Schumacher-Cawley and the Penn State Nittany Lions have left an indelible mark on the sport—and their story is one for the ages.
