Penn State women’s volleyball head coach Katie Schumacher-Cawley has cancer, but she’s refused to let it stop her all season long.

Penn State women’s volleyball are champions for the first time in a decade and it came amid adversity and history.

Katie Schumacher-Cawley could have taken a leave of absence when she was told last fall that she would have to begin treatment for breast cancer immediately. Instead, she remained a daily presence

On Sunday, Dec. 22, the Penn State Women’s Volleyball Team won its eighth title in program history, earning head coach Katie Schumacher-Cawley the title of the first woman in NCAA history to win a National Championship. Schumacher-Cawley did it while battling stage 2 breast cancer, making the win even more special to her and the team.

Penn State's Katie Schumacher-Cawley became the first female coach to win an NCAA women's volleyball title. She did so while undergoing treatment for cancer.

This Sunday, Louisville takes on Penn State in the NCAA women's volleyball finals. But over the past few months, the Nittany Lions have faced a much bigger battle: Their coach, Katie Schumacher-Cawley, has been diagnosed with cancer.

Diagnosed with breast cancer in September, Penn State's volleyball coach never missed a practice. Now the program is a win from the NCAA title.

Penn State's Katie Schumacher-Cawley took in her milestone moment with a big smile, hugging confetti-covered players and supporters before hoisting the championship trophy that sets her apart from other volleyball coaches.

Penn State won the NCAA women's volleyball championship on Sunday afternoon, beating Louisville in four sets to prevail 25-23, 32-34, 25-20, 25-17 and earn the eighth championship in the history of the program.

Penn State women’s volleyball coach Katie Schumacher-Cawley celebrated a national title on Sunday, December 22, after being diagnosed with breast cancer in September