What’s remarkable is not that two women are coaching for the national championship and one will win a title for the first time in the 44 years of NCAA women’s volleyball. It’s remarkable that these women, Katie Schumacher-Cawley and Dani Busboom Kelly, are the two doing it.
A Historic Moment
Because they are the ideal representatives.
The Embodiment of Perseverance
In this historic moment, as Schumacher-Cawley at Penn State and Louisville’s Busboom Kelly match wits before a sold-out KFC Yum! Center and a national ABC audience on Sunday at 3 p.m., they are the embodiment of what it takes to get to the top in an industry dominated by men.
Eighteen of the 20 winningest coaches in Division I women’s volleyball history are men.
Women in Coaching
“It’s going to be awesome for the sport to get this monkey off its back and move on from this, where it’s not historic that a woman wins,” said Busboom Kelly, 39, in her eighth season and making a second trip to the national championship match with the Cardinals. “It’s just a regular thing.”
Reflections of Their Teams
Penn State (34-2) and Louisville (30-5) reflect their coaches’ drive and resilience. They won national semifinal matches on Thursday against Nebraska and Pittsburgh, respectively, in dramatic fashion.
Fostered Confidence
Schumacher-Cawley and Busboom Kelly both coached with a steady hand. They fostered confidence from the sideline as their squads’ manufactured comebacks against opponents considered to rank first and second nationally in talent, depth, and championship-level experience.
Penn State’s Dramatic Comeback
The Nittany Lions pulled a five-set reverse sweep, fighting off two match points for Nebraska in the fourth set.
Louisville’s Pressure and Composure
At the start of the decisive fifth set, junior libero Gillian Grimes heard a voice of reassurance in the Penn State huddle: “We’re made for this.” The phrase didn’t come from Schumacher-Cawley. But she is why it was spoken.
A New Era
Maybe it’ll sink in, Schumacher-Cawley said, the magnitude of two women on the bench, both in charge with a trophy on the court, when they step out under the lights Sunday.
A Conclusion
Schumacher-Cawley and Busboom Kelly are more than just coaches; they are symbols of perseverance and dedication. Their teams reflect their spirit, and the NCAA women’s volleyball community is richer for their presence.
FAQs
Q: What’s remarkable about this moment in NCAA women’s volleyball?
A: That two women, Katie Schumacher-Cawley and Dani Busboom Kelly, are coaching for the national championship and one will win a title for the first time in 44 years.
Q: How have Schumacher-Cawley and Busboom Kelly contributed to their teams?
A: They have fostered confidence, coached with a steady hand, and manufactured comebacks against strong opponents.
Q: What’s next for Schumacher-Cawley and Busboom Kelly?
A: They will coach their teams in the national championship match on Sunday at 3 p.m.