Katie Schumacher-Cawley - Volleyball Coach and Former Athlete
• Current Role: Head Coach, Penn State Women’s Volleyball
Katie Schumacher-Cawley is an accomplished volleyball coach and former player. She currently leads the Penn State women’s volleyball team and has been a prominent figure in the sport for decades. Known for her dedication and skill, Katie Schumacher-Cawley has achieved success both as an athlete and as a coach.
Early Life and Education
Katie Schumacher-Cawley was born and raised in the Morgan Park neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois. Katie Schumacher-Cawley attended Mother McAuley High School, where she shone as a talented athlete in both volleyball and basketball. Katie led her volleyball team to two state championships in 1994 and 1995 and a runner-up finish in 1996. Katie Schumacher-Cawley exceptional performances earned her a spot in the McAuley Hall of Honor in 2014.
Katie Schumacher-Cawley outstanding athletic abilities also earned her spots in the Girls Catholic Athletic Conference Hall of Fame and the Chicagoland Sports Hall of Fame.
In 1997, Katie Schumacher-Cawley graduated from high school and went on to attend Pennsylvania State University. At Penn State, she played volleyball and basketball, becoming one of the university’s most decorated athletes. Katie Schumacher-Cawley was a two-time All-American in volleyball and helped the Nittany Lions win the NCAA National Championship in 1999. Katie Schumacher-Cawley finished her volleyball career at Penn State with 1,310 kills, 772 digs, and 299 blocks.
Katie Schumacher-Cawley Playing Career
Katie Schumacher-Cawley played volleyball and basketball during her college years, focusing primarily on volleyball. Katie Schumacher-Cawley achievements include:
• Two-time American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) All-American
• Three-time All-Big Ten selection
• Member of the 1999 NCAA National Championship team
Katie Schumacher-Cawley also played for the Lady Lions basketball team, contributing to their Sweet Sixteen run in 2002.
Katie Schumacher-Cawley Coaching Career
After graduating in 2002, Katie Schumacher-Cawley began her coaching journey. She served as head coach at UIC and the University of Pennsylvania before returning to Penn State.
In 2018, Katie Schumacher-Cawley joined the Penn State coaching staff as an associate head coach. On January 10, 2022, Katie Schumacher-Cawley was promoted to head coach following the retirement of Russ Rose, one of the most successful coaches in volleyball history.
Key Coaching Achievements
2022 Season
- Led Penn State to the Sweet Sixteen in her first year as head coach.
- Coached several players who earned Big Ten and national honors.
2024 Season
- Guided Penn State to a 29–2 record and a share of the Big Ten title.
- Named Big Ten Coach of the Year.
- Coached multiple players to conference awards, including Freshman of the Year and All-Big Ten selections.
Katie Schumacher-Cawley leadership and strategic approach have revitalized Penn State’s volleyball program, making it a dominant force once again.
Family and Personal Life
Katie Schumacher-Cawley is married to Mike Cawley, a former football player at James Madison University and a sixth-round NFL draft pick by the Indianapolis Colts. The couple has three daughters: Stella, Nora, and Shea.
In October 2024, Katie Schumacher-Cawley announced that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer. Despite this challenge, Katie Schumacher-Cawley continues to inspire her team and the volleyball community with her strength and determination.
Katie Schumacher-Cawley Parents
Katie Schumacher-Cawley mother and father supported her athletic journey from a young age, encouraging her passion for sports. They were dedicated to helping her succeed, whether by attending her games or motivating her to balance academics and athletics. Growing up in a close-knit family in Morgan Park, Katie Schumacher-Cawley credits her parents for instilling the values of hard work, discipline, and perseverance, which shaped her into the accomplished athlete and coach she is today.
Katie Schumacher-Cawley
Katie Schumacher-Cawley is estimated to stand around 6 feet tall, a typical height for elite volleyball players. Katie Schumacher-Cawley height gave her a significant advantage as both a player and coach in the sport. While her exact weight is not publicly known, it can be assumed she maintained an athletic build during her playing years, likely around 160–180 pounds, which is common for professional volleyball athletes of her stature. However, Katie Schumacher-Cawley recent health issues could have caused her to lose weight more.
Katie Schumacher-Cawley Husband
Katie Schumacher-Cawley husband, Mike Cawley, is a former football player who had a successful college and professional career. He played as a quarterback for James Madison University from 1993 to 1995 and was known for his skill and leadership on the field. In 1996, he was selected in the sixth round of the NFL Draft by the Indianapolis Colts. Though his professional football career was brief, Mike remained passionate about sports. He and Katie Schumacher-Cawley share a strong bond, supporting each other’s athletic journeys and raising their three daughters together. Mike’s experience as an athlete complements Katie Schumacher-Cawley, making them a sports-focused family.
Katie Schumacher-Cawley Children
Katie Schumacher-Cawley and her husband, Mike Cawley, have three daughters: Stella, Nora, and Shea. The girls are growing up in a supportive and athletic family, with their parents encouraging them to pursue their interests and dreams. Katie Schumacher-Cawley often shares how important her daughters are to her, balancing her demanding career as a volleyball coach with being a loving and present mother. The family enjoys spending quality time together, and Katie Schumacher-Cawley daughters are a source of inspiration and motivation for her.
Katie Schumacher-Cawley Nationality
Katie Schumacher-Cawley is American. She was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, making her a proud citizen of the United States.
Katie Schumacher-Cawley Ethnicity
Katie Schumacher-Cawley is of European descent, while her specific ethnic background is not publicly detailed.
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