Katie Schumacher-Cawley took some time during a busy 2026 Big Ten volleyball media day to sit down with DigNittanyVolleyball for an exclusive interview August 3 in Chicago.
Pin hitters Kennedy Martin and Caroline Jurevicius accompanied Schumacher-Cawley at Big Ten Network studios, and Penn State’s fifth-year head coach had plenty of positive things to say about the duo, as well as the rest of her team, ahead of the season-opening Spikes Under the Lights exhibition at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
What have been some of the highlights of today for you so far?
“Well, taking the water taxi over here was pretty cool. It’s great seeing Caroline and Kennedy get to experience this, especially Caroline, wanting to go into media. I think it’s a great platform for her, and it’s just nice to see all the coaches and players.”
What makes [Caroline and Kennedy] great representatives for Penn State volleyball?
“They’re great volleyball players, but they’re even better people, and I just think a great representation of, not only the program, but the university and women’s athletics.”
They’ll be [leading] the 7th-inning stretch later [tonight at Wrigley Field]. What do you think that will be like for them?
“Make sure they practice. That’s what I keep saying. They’re so excited to do that and to be a part of it. I mean, Wrigley Field’s historical, and what a special treat for them.”
What are some of the things that make Kennedy special as a player?
“I mean, Kennedy calls herself a ball hog, because she wants to score all the time, and I’m okay with that. No, I just think she’s gotten so much better this spring, and she’s stronger, and she’s really excited to start this season.”
How have you seen [Alexis] Stucky taking charge in the gym?
“I think she works really hard, and, I think, sometimes, when you know it’s your last time around, it’s a little bit different. So, I’m looking forward to her leadership. She’s a great leader, on and off the floor, and she doesn’t hold back. I’m excited for her.”
What are some things you like about being around Whitney [Lauenstein]?
“She’s really funny. She’s really enjoyable to be around. Her and her family, Luke and Layla, they’re great people. I think it gives our players great perspective seeing someone with a small child.”
How have you seen her provide leadership and mentorship for the younger players?
“She’s so great to the to the younger players. I think she’s really put her arms around them, and wants to help them be successful. She’s just the type of player who you want on your team who’s going to be helpful to everyone else.”
How would you assess your middle blockers so far?
“I’ll tell you what, we have three middle blockers right now who are… all three can play, and they’re really exciting to watch, and they all bring different things to the table, but are enjoyable to coach. They push each other every day in practice, and it’s going to be fun.”
What have you seen from your [defensive specialists]?
“I think everyone has stepped up their game, and they’re helping each other get better. I think, when you have players like that, it elevates your game. They want to be better and they want to win, but they want every player to get better as well.”
How have you seen Finley [Krystkowiak] and Haley [Burgdorf] develop from the spring to the summer?
“I think the weight room was huge for, not only them, but the entire group. I thought the lifting and conditioning we did this spring, and the time that they put in together this summer, is so valuable.”
What are some things that make Kendall Northern special as a player?
“Kendall’s really hard on herself, and can be her toughest critic. But she’s so fast off the floor and has an unbelievable arm swing, and she’ll find ways to score points. She’s going to help us.”
How have you seen Gabrielle [Nichols] refine her game from year one to two?
“I call her Mad Dog. She goes hard and wants to be great, and goes above and beyond in the weight room and all the extra things that she does to take care of her body to get better. She’s made some huge strides.”
When did they first reach out to you about Spikes Under the Lights? What were your thoughts about that?
“I think it was during the spring. All of these events are really special. And, again, it’s such an amazing platform for the team and the university to be showcased. I know this group will represent us really well, and it’s just a great opportunity to be a part of it.”
Starting off playing against some highly competitive teams, how do you think that will prepare you for the non-conference [schedule]?
“Our conference is so competitive, top to bottom, and I think we’ll get tested really early in preseason, and it will be great for this group. Every match matters, and every opponent matters, and we have to train hard and work together, and see what we have.”
How did the Palestra match come together? It’s obviously a very historic venue, against another huge program in Stanford. What are you looking forward to about that?
“It’s in Philly, and there are Penn Staters everywhere, but I think Philly will be really special. It’s a historic venue, and, obviously, me coaching there for one season was really neat. So, going back will be great. [With the football team] playing the next day, I think it will be a great weekend for Penn Staters.”
What are some things you’ve learned as a head coach going into year five [at Penn State]?
“You blink and it goes by so fast. I’m just really grateful for the opportunity that I have to be the head coach at Penn State, but to represent this university and the athletic department, and to be able to provide a great experience for young women, it’s a really special place.”
What are your thoughts on the new Adidas gear? Have you had a chance to see the uniforms yet?
“We’re going to look good and feel good. The players enjoy the new gear and new uniforms, so I think we’ll look pretty nice for the season.”
What are some of your fondest memories growing up in Chicago?
“My family. Getting to experience going back to Wrigley Field. Last year, I was with the [White] Sox and the Cubs, [throwing out the first pitch] and all of that. I just think Chicago is so exciting, and people love sports here, and it’s really fun to be able to play at Wrigley Field and to see that it’s going to be sold out. What a great experience. Chicago is home, and I’m grateful for all the love and support I get here.”
How do you think the city has influenced your character over the years?
“I don’t know. I think it’s a blue-collar town. I grew up around really hardworking parents and family, who taught me just to throw my shoulders back and go hard.”
What has it been like working with Abby [Detering] in the gym? How have you seen her get more comfortable with the team?
“Abby’s been an amazing addition. She’s real high-energy and she’s really fun to be around. She has great pride that she played at Penn State, and wants to help these athletes have a great experience.”
It seems like it’s a bit of an earlier start to [preseason training] camp this year. What are some of the things that go along with that, preparing for the season?
“Yeah, it’s an early start. We have quite a few more days to prepare, but I think it’s using our time wisely, and training the right way, and using our breaks the right way, and just making sure we stay healthy.”
Brian [Toron] and Megan [Hodge Easy] were promoted [to associate head coaches] this offseason. Why did you think that was important to do that?
“I think both have made such a great impact, and I’m very fortunate to have the people around me and the program that I do. Both contribute in a lot of different ways to the players, to me, to the program and university. It’s something that they deserved.”
How do you feel about the leadership on this year’s team so far?
“I think it’s great. I think our seniors will do a great job. I think our younger players aren’t afraid to step up. I think they all make an impact in their own way.”
What are some of the intangible things that will be important for the team to be successful this year?
“It’s the grit, it’s being able to compete, that every match is going to be a test for us, and that all 16 players need to understand that they will make an impact.”
What are some things that you’ve seen from [Ava] Falduto this offseason?
“I think Ava’s gotten better every semester she’s been at Penn State, and she takes great pride in lifting and getting stronger, and doing all of those things to help elevate her game. She works hard, and I know I can always count on her.”
How has [Alexis] Stucky been a positive influence for Danielle [Whitmire]?
“They work really well together. They both had the same injury, and I think Stucky can be a great role model for Danielle. And, like I said, they’re great training partners, and they work really hard.”