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Watch Penn State volleyball coach Katie Schumacher-Cawley's moving Jimmy V Perseverance Award acceptance speech

Greg Pickelby: Greg Pickel07/17/25GregPickel
Sports: The ESPYS Red Carpet
Katie Schumacher-Cawley on the red carpet before the ESPYS at The Dolby Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Penn State news, notes, and updates for July 17 include Katie Schumacher-Cawley’s moving ESPYs speech, headlines of the day, and more. Schumacher-Cawley was honored with the 2025 Jimmy V Perseverance Award Wednesday night. She was diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer in September. In taking time off to fight it, she fought it while leading her Nittany Lions women’s volleyball team to an NCAA title.

“Cancer changed my life but it didn’t take it. It didn’t take my belief, it didn’t take my spirit and it didn’t take my team,” she said, according to ESPN.

She added, according to Sports Illustrated:

“I’m beyond humbled and truly grateful for this moment. This past year has been one I could have never imagined. It’s been filled with challenges, with grit, with tears but also with perspective, purpose and unbelievable love. Cancer changed my life but it didn’t take it. It didn’t take my belief, it didn’t take my spirit and it didn’t take my team.”

You can watch both ESPN’s feature on her and the Penn State coach’s acceptance speech below:

In an op-ed for the Miami Herald, the Penn State coach writes:

“To be honored with the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance is overwhelming and humbling. I don’t take this lightly. To be mentioned among the incredible recipients of this award is something I will carry with me always. I will do everything I can to give back, to raise awareness, and to support those who are facing this same battle. This fight is far from over, and I will continue to stand up for those who can’t, until we find a cure.

“This journey has changed me. It’s tested me. But it has also shown me how strong love, hope, and community can be. I am forever grateful.”

Penn State headlines of the day

Three thoughts on Penn State’s 2027 class following the updated Rivals300: Snyder, BWI

Why Penn State football might be shifting to a three wide receiver offense in 2025: Carr, BWI

Who will Penn State hockey face during non-conference play in 2025-2026?: Pickel, BWI

Penn State freshman Mason Blackwood turning heads early: Bauer, BWI

James Franklin sets the pace for Penn State’s 2025 title push: Bauer, BWI

Trimmings: Penn State in EA Sports’ CFB 26: Separating virtual and reality with the Nittany Lions: Fitz, BWI

Quote of the day

“Everybody has stood out, but the one person I can say, just from a defensive perspective, is Mason. Mason Blackwood. He’s a strong defender. I think we’re going to use him a lot – sometimes on the best player defensively, he can defend him.”

PSU basketball player Eli Rice on teammate Mason Blackwood

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