LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A historic moment is poised to take place at the KFC Yum! Center this Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, as the NCAA Women’s Volleyball Championship pits the top-seeded Penn State Nittany Lions against the third-seeded Louisville Cardinals. Scheduled to begin at 3 p.m. ET, this championship match not only showcases two elite programs but also marks the possibility of groundbreaking achievements for both teams. Penn State aims for their eighth title, which would draw them closer to the all-time record held by Stanford, who has won nine titles, whereas Louisville is chasing their first championship.
Both teams made their way to the final after thrilling semifinal matches on Thursday. Penn State fought against the formidable Nebraska Cornhuskers, pulling off a dramatic five-set reverse sweep after being down 0-2. The Cardinals, on the other hand, defeated the Pittsburgh Panthers 3-1, with their star player Anna DeBeer facing uncertainty due to an ankle injury sustained during the match.
The significance of this match extends beyond the trophy. For the first time since the tournament’s inception, the championship will be contested between two female head coaches — Penn State's Katie Schumacher-Cawley and Louisville's Dani Busboom Kelly. Their matchup is historic, as it will either break the glass ceiling for women coaching at this high level or continue the legacy of male-dominated leadership.
“It’s going to be awesome for the sport to get this monkey off its back and move on from this, where it’s not historic when a woman wins, it’s just regular,” said Busboom Kelly, who has been at the helm of the Cardinals since 2017 and is making her second appearance in the championship.
The championship setting carries extra excitement, especially with Louisville serving as the host school. The architectural marvel of the KFC Yum! Center, which is known for its vibrant atmosphere, was filled with 21,726 spectators during the semifinals — setting a record for attendance. The fierce support from local fans has exponentially increased as the Cardinals showcased their skills on such a significant stage. This local backing will be pivotal for Louisville as they face the Nittany Lions.
“We’re not talking about losing ever,” claimed Penn State outside hitter Jess Mruzik, emphasizing the mental fortitude cultivated within the team. Mruzik, who achieved 26 kills against Nebraska, embodies the relentless spirit reflected across both squads. Whether Anna DeBeer, who led her team with 3.37 kills per set this season, can return to the court remains uncertain. Her absence would require the Cardinals to enter the final with substantial adjustments, though her teammates have shown high-level play throughout the tournament.
“We’ll do everything we can to get her on the court, but we have a great team behind her,” stated Busboom Kelly. Whether DeBeer takes the court or not, both coaches have prepared their teams for fierce competition.
Fans are already clamoring for tickets, with prices ranging widely on resale platforms, highlighting the demand and excitement surrounding this final. For those unable to secure tickets, the match will be aired live nationally on ABC and streamed through various platforms, including ESPN+ and Disney+.
Alongside these narrative highlights, the coaching backgrounds of Schumacher-Cawley and Busboom Kelly highlight their journeys through the sport, as both coaches ascended the ranks with heavy accomplishments as players before moving onto the sidelines. Schumacher-Cawley, who played at Penn State during their inaugural title run, embodies resilience — diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer earlier this season, she continues to lead her team effectively, becoming both coach and inspiration.
“We’re obviously wanting to do this for her because she’s been so amazing throughout this season,” Mruzik emphasized, forging the bond between teammates beyond just their on-court skills.
Beyond the match, the broader narrative surrounding women’s sports and the hurdles they face continues to resonate. Despite the historical presence of women coaching women's teams, very few have claimed NCAA titles, positioning this match as potentially transformative. Busboom Kelly herself acknowledged the historical aspect of the contest, reinforcing the necessity of representation for future generations.
“I hope people appreciate what we’ve done here,” said Busboom Kelly. “We can be role models and hopefully blaze new trails.”
With history on the line and significant milestones to achieve, all eyes will be on the KFC Yum! Center as Penn State and Louisville clash for the national championship. Will the Cardinals bring home their first title, or will the Nittany Lions continue to establish their storied legacy? The gripping match promises intensity, emotion, and the potential for historic outcomes as two heavyweight programs battle for supremacy.
Mark your calendars for Sunday at 3 p.m. ET — this is not just another volleyball game, but rather the epitome of dedication, progress, and the celebration of women’s achievements within athletics.
