The 2024 NCAA Women’s Volleyball Championship is set to be an unforgettable clash as the Louisville Cardinals take on the Penn State Nittany Lions today at 3 p.m. at the KFC Yum! Center. This title match holds historical significance, as either team’s victory will mark the first time a female head coach has led her squad to win the Division I NCAA Women's Volleyball Championship.
Both teams have shown incredible resolve throughout the tournament, culminating in thrilling semifinal matches played before heated crowds. Louisville, guided by head coach Dani Busboom Kelly, is on the hunt for its first national title after years of building up to this moment. Meanwhile, the Nittany Lions, under the leadership of Katie Schumacher-Cawley, are vying for their eighth championship, last achieved in 2014.
The atmosphere inside KFC Yum! Center is expected to be electric, and with over 21,000 fans cheering on their teams, the stakes couldn’t be higher. This matchup carries deep personal narratives as both coaches are distinguished figures: Busboom Kelly has nurtured Louisville's rise to prominence since her tenure began, and Schumacher-Cawley is inspiring her team during her courageous battle with breast cancer.
Last week’s semifinals showcased the grit both teams possess. Louisville advanced past Pitt with considerable effort, winning three sets after dropping the first. Star senior Anna DeBeer, who is recovering from an ankle injury, played a pivotal role before her departure. Despite her uncertain status, DeBeer’s leadership and presence inspire confidence within her teammates. "If she can't go, we have some options," Busboom Kelly indicated post-match, reinforcing the depth of her squad.
Penn State's pathway to the finals was equally compelling. Facing Nebraska, the Nittany Lions were pushed to the brink, falling behind two sets to none before launching a historic comeback. Jess Mruzik led her team with 26 kills, and their tenacity was evident. "We’re obviously wanting to do this for her because she’s been so amazing throughout this season," Mruzik said, drawing attention to their coach’s health struggles and the extra motivation it has instilled.
Both teams met earlier this season, where Penn State dominated Louisville, contributing to their caution and preparedness for this rematch. Schumacher-Cawley reflected, "It’s going to be a battle," acknowledging the growth of her team since their earlier encounter. That experience will be key for both squads as they adapt to the high pressure of the final.
With much of the spotlight on the two female coaches, this match marches toward the spotlight of women’s sports history. "It's going to be awesome for the sport, I think, to get this monkey off its back and move on from this, where it’s not historic... it’s just a regular thing," Busboom Kelly said, indicating the significance of normalizing female success at the coaching level.
The national broadcast on ABC and streaming platforms such as Hulu + Live TV and DirecTV Stream ensures fans across the nation can witness history. This final is not just about winning; it's about representation, progression, and proof of the enduring spirit of women's athletics.
Whichever team emerges victorious today will not only hold aloft the championship trophy but also lay claim to the title of trailblazers for future generations of female athletes and coaches alike. With both teams deserving of the glory, the only question left is who will seize the moment on the grand stage.
Make sure to tune in this afternoon as these two storied programs fight for glory, history, and the right to call themselves national champions.
