Just a few days ago, the No. 4 Penn State women’s volleyball team kept their Big Ten title hopes alive with a clean 3-0 sweep over Rutgers at Jersey Mike’s Arena. The sets—25-12, 25-22, and 25-20—were a masterclass in dominance. Then, the Nittany Lions headed back to Happy Valley, boasting a stellar 28-2 overall record and 18-1 in the conference. But this season isn’t just about stats—it’s about heart, resilience, and a coach who’s leading her team through more than just volleyball battles.
On October 17, Penn State’s head coach, Katie Schumacher-Cawley, shared an emotional post on Instagram, revealing her breast cancer diagnosis. She admitted it was a lot to process, but her fighting spirit shone through as she pledged to keep coaching, thanking her staff and players for their support. Despite everything she’s facing, Katie has guided her team to an incredible 28 victories this season, proving what true strength looks like. And now, here comes the drumroll—because this season just added another win, one that’s extra special and historic.
On November 29, Penn State volleyball took on the Huskers at home, and guess what? They added another jewel to their crown with an electrifying win! The celebration was loud and proud as NCAA Volleyball took to X to share the fantastic news: after a seven-year wait, the Nittany Lions have reclaimed the Big Ten title—their 18th overall—and the roar in Happy Valley could probably be heard across the state!
WHAT A MOMENT
#NCAAWVB x
BTN / @PennStateVBALL
— NCAA Women's Volleyball (@NCAAVolleyball) November 30, 2024
Penn State, ranked No. 4, defeated No. 2 Nebraska in an intense 3-1 showdown at Rec Hall, with set scores of 25-21, 14-25, 25-22, and 25-23. Not only did the Lions hand the Huskers their first Big Ten loss of the season, but they also clinched a share of the coveted Big Ten crown. Meanwhile, the story isn’t over yet for Nebraska; they still have a shot at sharing the title if they secure a win over Maryland this Saturday.
This story is developing…
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