Katie Schumacher-Cawley November 29 Interview Transcript

Posted on by Ethan Kasales

The Penn State women’s volleyball program held its 14th weekly media availability of the 2023 season via phone Wednesday afternoon following the Nittany Lions’ practice at Horejsi Family Volleyball Arena in Lawrence, Kansas.

Head coach Katie Schumacher-Cawley discussed her thoughts on Penn State’s regular season and the NCAA tournament, which gets underway Thursday when the No. 5 seed Nittany Lions (21-8, 15-5 Big Ten) face Yale in the first round.

Schumacher-Cawley’s squad will square off against Erin Appleman’s Bulldogs at 5:30 p.m. ET on ESPN+. Appleman, who has led Yale to a record 12 Ivy League titles, coached Schumacher-Cawley during her eight-year tenure as an assistant coach on Russ Rose’s staff at Penn State from 1993-2000.

Katie Schumacher-Cawley

What’s your relationship like with Erin Appleman? I know she coached you for a few years at Penn State.

“Erin’s great. I had the opportunity to play for Erin on the USA team that I played on and obviously at Penn State. I think she’s an amazing coach and an even better person. I have a great relationship with Erin. I saw her this morning, so it was good to see her.”

What stands out to you about Yale on film?

“They play hard. They’ve won a lot. I think they’re a really confident team. They have some kids taking some big swings for them. I know Erin will have a great game plan and her team will be ready to play.”

What was it like catching up with Megan Courtney-Lush last weekend in Columbus?Β 

“It’s always great to see Penn State alums. Megan is a great fan and awesome Penn State alum. It’s always good to see her and to meet her baby girl. We were lucky to have her come by practice and give a few words to the team and give us some support.”

How pleased are you to see her continuing her pro career [with the Columbus Fury of the Pro Volleyball Federation]?

“I think it’s awesome. It’s super exciting to see her continue to play and continue to play where she’s living right now. I’m sure she’ll be great for that league, great for the team, and great for the younger players who are just starting their careers.”

Simone Lee is joining Micha Hancock’s pro team in Italy [VBC Casalmaggiore]. What do you think it will be like for them to team up?

“Micha and Simone are exceptional players and I know they’ll be excited to play together. I think any time you can get some Penn Staters together, it’s going to be a great time.”

What’s your mentality heading on the road for the tournament and getting things started?

“We just finished practice. I thought we had a great practice. The team is focused. I know they’re excited to have the opportunity to practice in the facility that we’re playing in. We’ll take this afternoon and do some film, get some rest, and be ready to go tomorrow.”

What are some of your general thoughts on how the regular season went? What stood out to you in a positive manner?

“I think we got better as the season went on. I think a lot of players have stepped up and made some good moves. I’m excited to see what we’re going to do in the tournament. I know we’ll be prepared. The team is eager to get going. I’m pleased with the way we ended the Big Ten season. I think it’s hard to win in-conference, especially on the road. I was happy with how we finished that last weekend.”

What advice do you have for your team on postseason play, especially for those who haven’t experienced it yet?

“I think it’s to enjoy it. There are a lot of teams not able to be in this position. To enjoy it and be focused. To have a good time with each other. We will definitely give it our best.”

What does it mean to you that Penn State is the only team to make it to all 43 NCAA tournaments?

“A lot of credit goes to Coach Rose for that — Coach Rose and the players who came before me and before these players. It’s something we don’t take lightly. It’s really special to be in this tournament.”

What are some things that you learned from last year’s tournament that you can take into this one?

“I think it’s just the mentality of being ready and taking care of the things that you can do and the things that you can control. I think that we’ve instilled that in the players, that you can control what you can and be prepared, and be in the best shape mentally and physically that you can.”

What are some of the differences between coaching in the regular season and the postseason, as far as how you and your staff handle things?

“It’s do-or-die now. It’s one-and-done. I think it’s just being able to be prepared as much as you can for each opponent and taking it one match at a time. We’re going to be as prepared for Yale as any team that we’ve played. We’re focused on them right now.”

How would you describe the season that Mac [Podraza] has had so far?

“Mac’s had a great season. I think she also has improved since the beginning of the season. I think she’s been really focused and wanting to be the best she can, whether it’s with film work or extra reps. I think that she’s done a great job. I’m happy she’s a Penn Stater.”

As an outside hitter yourself, what are some of the skills that make Jess [Mruzik] unique or special as a player?

“I think Jess wants to score every time she can. I think she’s involved in a lot of plays. I think Jess has stepped up her game and she’s a really fun player to watch. She’s explosive. She’s a student of the game as well. I think she’s gotten better defensively. Her serving has improved. I think she wants to be the complete player. She’s taken some really good strides to do that.”

How have you seen Gill [Grimes] improve throughout the season?

“I think Gill has taken some big, big steps forward in her game. Defensively, I think she’s understanding the game better. I think serving, for her, has always been really good. I think her serve is a lot more aggressive. She’s ready to go. She’s a competitive player.”

How would you assess your middle blockers’ performance and what do you want to see from [Allie Holland and Taylor Trammell] in the tournament?

“I think they’ve gotten better as the season’s gone on, too. I think they’re way more aggressive. Mac is getting them the ball a lot more and we’re finding ways to score. I would like to see them get involved early in the match and open up some other attackers.”

Cam [Hannah] seems to be gaining confidence as the season has gone on. What has been the biggest change for her that you’ve noticed?

“I just think her ability to score. She’s a high-flier and she finds ways to score. I think she’s really confident. I know she gets this opportunity to play at Penn State and to be in the tournament with us.”

What’s it been like being at Kansas’ facility? How have they been as hosts?

“They’ve been great. I think Coach Ray [Bechard] and his staff are unbelievable. I think that they do an excellent job. It’s a really nice facility. They’ve been super gracious to us.”

They have a pretty good setter [in Camryn Turner]. What stands out about Kansas in general if you’ve done any advanced scouting?

“I think they play hard and they’ve had a great season. They have several players who are fast. I think they have a good setter. I think they’re coached really well. I know their staff well. I think they do a really good job. I know they’ll be ready to go [against Omaha].”

I saw that Cassie [Kuerschen] is going to be moving on to dental school [after she graduates this spring]. What’s it been like coaching her the last three years?

“Cassie’s been amazing. She’s a great person. I’m super excited for her and her next move. She’s going to be an exceptional orthodontist.”

How would you describe the play of your defensive specialists this season and their toughness hustling after every ball?

“I think they’ve been really aggressive. They’ve been getting better as the season’s gone on. They push each other in practice. I think they’ve done a great job. I’m proud of all of them. They’ve really helped each other along the way.”

What are some things that Zoe [Weatherington] does particularly well?

“Zoe’s a great team leader and high-energy kid. I think Zoe’s focused and driven. I know she’s excited to play her last NCAA tournament here and be ready to go.”

What’s your message to Coach Rose as he celebrates his 70th birthday today (Nov. 29)?

“I just talked to him this morning. I just wished him a happy, happy birthday and [told him] I’m so proud to have played for him. I hope he’s enjoying that Florida sunshine.”