Katie Schumacher-Cawley Named Women’s Volleyball Head Coach

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – Penn State Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Sandy Barbour announced Monday the hiring of Katie Schumacher-Cawley as the third head coach in the 46-year history of the Penn State women’s volleyball program. Schumacher-Cawley takes over the storied program after spending the past four seasons as an assistant under legendary head coach Russ Rose.
 
“After an extensive national search, we are thrilled to have Katie Schumacher-Cawley named as the third head coach in Penn State Women’s Volleyball history,” said Penn State Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Sandy Barbour. “Katie has a deep connection with the Penn State program as both an All-American and National Champion student-athlete and assistant coach.
 
“Katie’s time as a head coach was filled with success on the court, in the classroom and in the community,” continued Barbour. “As an assistant coach with the Nittany Lions the last four seasons, she has demonstrated her commitment to preparing our students for success in all aspects of their lives. During our search process, we were looking for candidates with demonstrated success as a head coach, a commitment to excellence in competition and academics, and character and values that match Penn State’s. We found all of that. The future of Penn State Women’s Volleyball is very bright with Katie at the helm. I’m very excited about what lies ahead for our program and the current and future student who will benefit from Coach Cawley’s leadership and expertise.”
 
Schumacher-Cawley’s ties to the Penn State women’s volleyball program run deep dating back to her time as a two-time All-American student-athlete and four years as an assistant coach. She returned to Happy Valley as the top assistant and recruiting coordinator in 2018.
 
“Being chosen as the next head coach at my alma mater, Penn State, is a dream come true,” said Schumacher-Cawley. “The love I have for this storied University, passionate community and all things Blue and White is unmatched.
 
“I owe a sincere thank you to my former coach and mentor, Russ Rose,” continued Schumacher-Cawley. “Without his guidance and care for me and my family, I would not be in the position I am in today….