Jimmy V Perseverance Award presented to Katie Schumacher-Cawley during the 2025 ESPY Awards ceremony
In a powerful and emotional moment at the 2025 ESPY Awards held in Los Angeles, Katie Schumacher-Cawley, the head coach of the Penn State women's volleyball team, was awarded the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance. The award, named after former North Carolina State University men's basketball coach Jim Valvano, recognises individuals who have overcome adversity with resilience and determination.
Schumacher-Cawley's journey began during her third season as head coach when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Despite this significant challenge, she continued to coach, inspiring her team with her unwavering spirit and determination. Her fight against cancer has been a testament to the power of community and the importance of perseverance during difficult times.
In her acceptance speech, Schumacher-Cawley thanked her doctors at the University of Pennsylvania and Mount Nittany Medical, as well as her family, who she called her "rock" and "strength." She also expressed gratitude to Jim Valvano and the V Foundation for the recognition and the work it does to fight cancer.
Schumacher-Cawley dedicated her award to cancer survivors, those still fighting, and those who have lost their battle to cancer, including her father. She ended her speech with a message similar to one given by Jim Valvano: "Keep showing up, keep believing, and please never ever give up."
This recognition underscores Schumacher-Cawley's impact on sports beyond winning games. Her leadership and presence have been instrumental in the success of Penn State volleyball, leading the team to significant achievements, including an NCAA title in 2024. Her dedication to her players, combined with her personal courage, has motivated the team and inspired fans nationwide.
Schumacher-Cawley underwent six rounds of chemotherapy and is now in remission. She is going into her fourth season with the Penn State women's volleyball team, where she continues to inspire her players and fans with her spirit and determination. Her story serves as a reminder that one does not fight cancer alone and that perseverance can lead to great achievements.
- Science played a crucial role in detecting Katie Schumacher-Cawley's medical-condition, breast cancer, during her tenure as head coach of Penn State women's volleyball team.
- Schumacher-Cawley's battle with cancer has highlighted the significance of mental-health and health-and-wellness, not just in sports, but in everyday life.
- Despite her football season being disrupted due to cancer treatments, Schumacher-Cawley's unwavering spirit kept golf and sports-betting enthusiasts engaged, as her story became a subject of inspiration.
- Just like basketball legend, Jim Valvano, Schumacher-Cawley's perseverance against odds serves as an example for all, demonstrating that one can achieve success in their respective fields, be it tennis or any other activity.
- Schumacher-Cawley's powerful moment at the ESPY Awards has sparked a broader conversation about the importance of life beyond sports wins, emphasizing the role of resilience, determination, and community support in dealing with personal challenges.
