On December 22, 2024, before a crowd of 21,860, the Penn State Nittany Lions defeated the Louisville Cardinals 25-23, 32-34, 25-20, 25-17 to win the NCAA women’s volleyball championship.
In the world of leadership, certain moments transcend the sport and teach us timeless truths about perseverance, vision, and a culture of excellence. Penn State’s historic 35-2 season offers such a moment. Under the inspiring leadership of Coach Katie Schumacher-Cawley and the competitive spirit of outside hitter Jess Mruzik, the Nittany Lions reminded us of what it means to pursue excellence with grit and grace.
In doing so, Coach Schumacher-Cawley became the first woman head coach to win a NCAA Division I Women’s Volleyball National Championship.
4 Lessons from Penn State Volleyball’s Championship Season
The following are four lessons we learn from Penn State Volleyball’s championship season:
1. The Power of Resilience
Coach Katie Schumacher-Cawley embodies the heart of servant leadership. Diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer early in the season, the 44-year-old coach refused to let her challenges overshadow the team’s mission. She attended every practice and brought energy, focus, and determination, even during chemotherapy.
Coach Schumacher-Cawley said in this article, “I’m so fortunate to be surrounded by so many great people. I’m inspired by the young kids who are sick. If I can be an inspiration to someone, then I take that. But I feel good, and I’m lucky to have people around me.”
Her courage not only inspired her players but also set a standard of resilience that elevated the entire program.
2. The Power of Vision
Coach Schumacher-Cawley’s leadership is also a testament to the power of vision. Her belief in her team’s potential and her ability to create a culture of accountability and excellence propelled the Nittany Lions to the pinnacle of their sport. Great leaders recognize that success is a collective effort, and they build environments where their teams can thrive.
Mruzik, the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player, noted in this article, “She’s been an inspiration to us, and she’s helped us believe that we can accomplish what we just accomplished. She teaches us so much every single day. But the biggest thing I’m taking away from this season is you can do anything. You can do anything you set your mind to. If you believe it, it’ll happen.”
3. Building a Culture of Excellence
Mruzik exemplifies what happens when talent meets hard work and an unrelenting pursuit of greatness. A former Gatorade National Player of the Year, Mruzik transferred to Penn State with two primary goals: to uphold the program’s tradition of excellence and win a national championship. Her jaw-dropping 55 kills across the Final Four, including 26 against Nebraska, showcased her physical skills and mental fortitude.
But Mruzik’s impact goes beyond statistics. She embraced her role as a mentor and leader, setting an example for her younger teammates. Coach Schumacher-Cawley said of Mruzik’s and the team’s mindset, “They were the reason why this team was so special. They did what it took on and off the court to help this team and to show the younger ones how to work and to be a great teammate.”
Mruzik’s journey reminds us that success isn’t just about individual achievement; it’s about lifting others along the way.
4. The Legacy of Leadership
The Nittany Lions’ victory wasn’t just about winning—it was about leaving a legacy. As Mruzik said, “The standard at Penn State is winning national championships.” This standard, established by legendary coach Russ Rose and carried forward by Schumacher-Cawley, reflects a continual commitment to excellence that inspires generations.
Mruzik also added in this article, “We’re obviously wanting to do this for her because she’s been so amazing throughout this season.”
Concluding Lessons for Leaders
- Perseverance Through Challenges – Schumacher-Cawley’s ability to lead amid personal adversity teaches us the importance of resilience and focus.
- The Power Of Vision – The ability to paint a future picture of success and allow people to see themselves in it is a competitive advantage.
- Culture Over Talent – Talent wins games, but culture builds dynasties. Penn State’s success is rooted in a tradition of excellence upheld by every team member.
- Legacy Mindset – Great leaders think beyond the present moment. They inspire others to carry the torch and continue the mission.
As the Penn State women’s volleyball team raised the championship trophy, they celebrated more than a title. They celebrated the power of leadership, the strength of community, and the enduring belief that anything is possible when you set your mind to it.
Great teams win championships. Great leaders build legacies. Penn State volleyball did both this season, and the lessons they’ve taught us will resonate far beyond the court.
FREE Resource – The Top 75 Leadership Quotes of 2024 Part 2
I have recently developed a strategic partnership with an organization called Netline. They are an organization which gets content into as many hands as possible. Together, we created a FREE resource entitled “The Top 75 Leadership Quotes of 2024 – Part 2.“ You can click HERE or on the image provided to receive this complimentary resource.
There comes a time in the life of every leader when they must stand up and declare, “Follow me!” Language and how to use it is a BIG deal for leaders. Words matter. They can mobilize people, inspire enormous change, and move others to life-changing action. Therefore, when a leader speaks, the quotes they give, matter.
Now a special request. This is a complimentary resource. Therefore, if you will make special note of the ads on the pages you will see. If any interest you, please click the images and learn more about their products.
Once again, you can get your FREE resource by clicking HERE.
#CommissionsEarned
