Penn State cemented its status as a volleyball powerhouse by defeating Louisville 3-1 (25-23, 32-34, 25-20, 25-17) to capture the program’s eighth national championship. This victory also made history: In a championship game with two female head coaches for the first time, Katie Schumacher-Cawley became the first woman to secure the NCAA Division I volleyball title from the sidelines.

The Nittany Lions were led by All-American outside hitter Jess Mruzik, who had 29 kills. After splitting the first two sets, the Nittany Lions found a new gear in the third. Louisville’s Charitie Luper and Sofi Maldonado Diaz combined for 41 kills, but the Cardinals couldn’t recover from an early deficit in the fourth frame.

A national record-breaking crowd of more than 21,000 fans at the KFC Yum! Center witnessed Penn State’s balanced performance. Setter Izzy Starck provided 55 assists while the Nittany Lions defense limited Louisville to a .196 hitting percentage. With this triumph, Penn State not only adds another trophy to its collection, but also provides a groundbreaking moment for women’s sports as Schumacher-Cawley etches her name into NCAA volleyball history.

FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 10 YEARS, THE PENN STATE NITTANY LIONS ARE NATIONAL CHAMPIONS 🦁

(1) @PennStateVBALL defeated (1) Louisville in four sets to claim their eighth title!#NCAAWVB pic.twitter.com/tBTS1sJ70P

— NCAA Women’s Volleyball (@NCAAVolleyball) December 22, 2024