Penn State alumna and two-time All-American Katie Schumacher-Cawley (left) was introduced today as Penn State women’s volleyball’s head coach. Schumacher-Cawley discussed her new role after welcome remarks by Penn State VP for Intercollegiate Athletics, Sandy Barbour (right). Photo credit: John Patishnock

Katie Schumacher-Cawley looked happy Tuesday afternoon at Rec Hall. That made sense. She was standing in a building where she built an impressive career as a two-time All-American for Penn State, totaling 1,310 kills, 772 digs, and 299 blocks. She was speaking on behalf and for her alma mater (2002), for a program she helped lead to a national championship in 1999, a program she returned to after nearly a decade away.

Simply put, she looked like she belonged.

“Coming back here was a dream come true. Being a part of Penn State, no matter what position I was in, I was fortunate to have that,” said Schumacher-Cawley, who returned to Happy Valley four seasons ago as an assistant after serving as a head coach for the previous nine seasons at Penn and Illinois-Chicago.

“I think that this is a place that has always been home to me, and to even have the opportunity to go through the interview process was something special.”

Shortly after Schumacher-Cawley gave that response, we asked her what about Penn State and State College, beyond the volleyball program, transforms this place into home for her. Here’s what she said:

“We are surrounded by a community within this athletic department and neighboring people in town that want to see these women become so successful. And not just women’s volleyball, but Penn State Athletics as a whole. I’m lucky to be a part of it. I know that these players are and continue to take advantage of the opportunities that they have to help them be successful; not only on the court but also their next step in life, whether it’s professional or grad school. They’re all really intelligent and have big goals and dreams. I know everyone here can help them with that.”

You can watch Schumacher-Cawley’s entire press conference on Penn State Athletics’ Facebook page. The head coach begins her comments at the 7:45 mark. You can also learn more about Schumacher-Cawley, a Chicago native and Chicago Cubs fan, on GoPSUsports.com.

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