Penn State’s Katie Schumacher-Cawley took to Instagram Thursday to announce her recent cancer diagnosis.
Schumacher-Cawley is in her third season with the Nittany Lions as head coach and she was assistant coach for four years prior. Through her time as coach she has an overall record of 65-18 and has led the team to many accomplishments like two NCAA Tournament appearances.
“Recently, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. This news has been a lot to process, and as you can imagine, it has brought a range of emotions. But I’m approaching this with strength, determination, and an unwavering sense of hope. We will draw inspiration from the many people in our lives that have battled cancer and have emerged victorious,” Schumacher-Cawley wrote. “As I begin this process, I ask for your understanding, compassion, and patience. My focus will be on my family, my team, and of course, my health and recovery. It is business as usual at Rec Hall. I have the most amazing staff that doesn’t skip a beat.”
The 44-year-old attended Penn State where she played volleyball and basketball. In volleyball, she was a three-time All-Big Ten Selection and two-time American Volleyball Coaches Association All-American. She won the national championship in 1999 and then played basketball from 2001-02.
In the post, she asked for privacy.
“As we move ahead, I ask that you please respect the privacy of this personal journey for my family. We want the focus of the next several weeks and months to be on the team, their season and the incredible things they do as inspiring women in the classroom and on the court. WE ARE
”
Many players left pink hearts in the comments showing love and support for Schumacher-Cawley.
This Sunday’s game will serve as the team’s Dig Pink game in partnership with The Side-Out Foundation.
Kassie Vasellas is a Female Athlete News student-intern at Penn State University.
Thank you for reading Female Athlete News. Follow us on our social media pages or reach us at [email protected] with a story idea.
By FAN – US
