COURAGE, COMMITMENT, CHAMPION: Katie Schumacher-Cawley Wins 2025 Jimmy V Award After Historic Season and Cancer Battle
In a night filled with emotion, inspiration, and thunderous standing ovations, Katie Schumacher-Cawley, head coach of the Penn State Women’s Volleyball Team, was honored with the 2025 Jimmy V Award for Perseverance at the ESPYS, held at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles and broadcast live on ABC.
Schumacher-Cawley’s journey to this moment has been nothing short of extraordinary. A former Penn State volleyball standout and a key player on the 1999 National Championship team, she became the first female head coach to lead a women’s volleyball program to an NCAA Division I national title this past season. But what made this achievement even more remarkable was the fact that she did it while quietly fighting one of the most difficult battles of her life.
A Private Battle, A Public Triumph
In October 2024, Schumacher-Cawley was diagnosed with breast cancer. Despite undergoing treatment, she remained steadfast in her role, missing no practices, traveling with her team for every road match, and coaching every point from the sideline with unwavering energy and focus.
“She never made it about her,” said team captain Jenna Calloway, who delivered part of the introduction at the ESPYs. “She made it about us. She made it about believing in each other—and believing that no matter what you’re up against, you don’t quit.”
Throughout the season, players wore pink ribbon patches on their warm-up gear, and the team dedicated their postseason run to their coach. When Penn State clinched the national title in a dramatic five-set final against Stanford, Schumacher-Cawley raised the trophy with tears in her eyes, surrounded by a group of players who had come to view her not just as a coach, but as a living example of strength.
Honored on the Grandest Stage
The Jimmy V Award, named after legendary coach Jim Valvano, recognizes individuals in sports who have overcome great obstacles through perseverance and determination. In a powerful speech, Schumacher-Cawley accepted the award with humility and grace.
> “I didn’t set out to inspire anyone,” she said. “I just wanted to keep showing up. For my players, for my family, and for myself. Because life doesn’t stop when you’re hurting. That’s when you find out how strong you really are.”
Her speech, which ended with a message to women battling cancer and a tribute to her late mother, who also fought breast cancer, brought the audience to its feet.
A Legacy of Leadership
In just her third season at the helm of Penn State, Schumacher-Cawley has built a legacy not just in wins, but in culture. Former coach Russ Rose, who was in attendance, said, “What Katie has done is redefine what it means to lead. She’s a national champion, a fighter, and a mentor. There is no one more deserving of this honor.”
Penn State Athletic Director Patrick Kraft added, “She has elevated not just Penn State Volleyball, but what’s possible in women’s sports. Her resilience belongs in every coaching manual.”
More Than a Moment
While the ESPY Award shines a bright light on her achievements, Schumacher-Cawley is already preparing for next season. She has completed her final round of treatment and will return to the sideline this fall, stronger than ever.
For now, though, the moment belongs to her — a reminder that perseverance, heart, and the will to fight through adversity can lead not only to championships, but to inspiration for millions.
As the crowd roared and her players wiped away tears in the audience, the words of Jim Valvano echoed once more:
> “Don’t give up. Don’t ever give up.”
Katie Schumacher-Cawley never did. And that’s why she now stands as a champion in every sense of the word.
