Penn State Volleyball isn't losing sleep over a No. 2 ranking behind Nebraska.
Katie Schumacher-Cawley, the head coach who just snagged the Jimmy V Award, isn’t fazed. She’s seen it all—cancer battle and a national title in one year. This team? They’re built to handle pressure.
New Chapters, Same Attitude
Last season was a fairy tale. A 29-2 run, a share of the Big Ten title, and an NCAA championship. But Penn State's not dwelling on the past.
“We're done talking about last year's team,” Schumacher-Cawley said. “Every semester is a new team and a new season.”
The Nittany Lions lost five seniors, including Jess Mruzik, the 2024 NCAA tournament’s Most Outstanding Player. Yet, the preseason ranks them No. 2. And guess what? They don’t care.
Leadership Steps Up
With Mruzik and others gone, it's time for players like senior libero Gillian Grimes and senior middle blocker Jordan Hopp to step up.
“I try to empower every single player to be a leader in their own way,” Schumacher-Cawley noted. Grimes, alongside Izzy Starck and newcomer Kennedy Martin, is ready for the challenge.
Grimes was clear: “I couldn't be on that list without my teammates.”
Reload and Ready
Penn State didn’t just sit back. They reloaded. All-American Kennedy Martin joined the squad through the transfer portal. She’s a seamless fit for the Nittany Lions’ culture.
This team isn’t just defending a title; they’re writing their own story. The preseason polls? Just chatter.
And just like that… Penn State might have the last laugh.
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Source: usatoday.com
