LOUISVILLE - The Penn State Nittany Lions captured their eighth NCAA Volleyball National Championship on Sunday, December 22, 2024, defeating the Louisville Cardinals 3-1 (25-23, 32-34, 25-20, 25-17) at the packed KFC Yum! Center. This victory marks the first title for Penn State since 2014 and re-establishes the Nittany Lions as a powerhouse in collegiate women’s volleyball.
Under the guidance of third-year head coach Katie Schumacher-Cawley, Penn State achieved this historical milestone, with Schumacher-Cawley becoming the first female head coach to win the NCAA Volleyball National Championship. "I'm inspired by the young kids who are sick. If I can be an inspiration, then I take..." she shared about her battle with breast cancer, which she has been facing since October 2024.
The championship match, which was witnessed by 21,860 spectators—a record for volleyball finals—showcased the intensity and athleticism of women's sports at its finest. Despite the Cardinals having home-court advantage, Penn State's performance was overwhelming, particularly with junior Jess Mruzik, who led her team with 29 kills and was named the tournament's Most Outstanding Player. "The standard at Penn State is winning national championships. So this is like a dream come true," Mruzik expressed, highlighting the significance of the win to her and her teammates.
The match commenced with Penn State taking the first set 25-23, following junior middle blocker Maggie Mendelson's key kill and Mruzik's service ace. The second set saw the Cards mount an impressive comeback; trailing by as much as six points early on, they rallied to win 34-32, marking one of the most competitive sets ever played. Louisville's Charitie Luper was instrumental during this rally, contributing several pivotal kills.
“I think being up here in this moment is always tough, and you just have so many emotions from the loss but also the end of some amazing careers...” lamented Louisville’s coach Dani Busboom Kelly after the match, reflecting on her team’s effort and the close nature of the set. Despite the loss, Luper and Sofia Maldonado Diaz led the Cardinals with 21 and 20 kills respectively, showcasing their talents on the national stage.
After the thrilling second set, Penn State regained its momentum, taking the following sets 25-20 and 25-17. The victory sealed their position among the elite of women’s collegiate volleyball. Penn State outperformed Louisville on hitting percentage, scoring .263 compared to the Cardinals' .177, illustrating their offensive prowess throughout the match.
Schumacher-Cawley’s leadership has been pivotal for the Nittany Lions, as she guided her team through the NCAA Tournament, including rallying from down 2-0 against Nebraska to secure their place in the championship final. Both head coaches, past champions themselves, paid tribute to one another after the match, acknowledging the historic significance of this championship, not only for their teams but for women's athletics. "I'm very happy for Katie, and it's a big deal for this sport," said Busboom Kelly.
Fans filled the stands of the KFC Yum! Center, creating an electric atmosphere. Many expressed immense pride for their teams and excitement for the unprecedented occasion of two female head coaches contending for the national title. UofL fan Amy Doolittle-Crider remarked, "That is absolutely amazing. Obviously, we want Louisville to win. But no matter what, it is going to be a great day for women’s sports and women coaching.”
This championship is not only another triumph for Penn State but also reinforces the growth and visibility of women’s sports, particularly volleyball, as they continue building their audience. With this victory, Penn State now trails only Stanford, which has nine national titles to its name, solidifying their standing among the crème de la crème of collegiate volleyball.
Looking forward, the Nittany Lions aim to build on this success, inspired by their record-setting performance and the standard of excellence firmly set by coach Schumacher-Cawley. The future looks bright for Penn State volleyball, fuelled by their ambition and commitment to maintaining their legacy.
