In September 2024, Katie Schumacher-Cawley received a devastating breast cancer diagnosis just as the NCAA volleyball season was about to begin. Despite the challenge, the Penn State coach made the courageous decision to continue leading her team while undergoing chemotherapy. “I’m going to be healthy, and I will get through this,” she affirmed, showing up for practice even as she battled the illness.
Now, nearly two months after making history as the first female coach to win an NCAA volleyball title, Schumacher-Cawley has reached another significant milestone—completing her chemotherapy. She shared the news on Instagram, celebrating the end of her treatment. “Well, we did it! Six rounds of chemo—done!” she wrote.
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Posting from the Perelman Center for Advanced Medicine, she reflected on the emotional journey. “Today, I rang the bell, marking the end of this chapter. What a journey it has been,” she said.
Schumacher-Cawley’s perseverance and determination have made her an inspiration both on and off the court, proving her strength as a coach and a fighter.