For 12 minutes, the 2025 ESPY Award show belonged to former Mother McAuley volleyball and basketball standout Katie Schumacher-Cawley.
A night that honored athletic achievements with plenty of laughs — and groans — from zingers provided by controversial host Shane Gillis turned emotional and poignant when Schumacher-Cawley received the Jimmy V. Award for Perseverance.
The award is named for the late Jim Valvano, a basketball coach remembered for his courage while fighting cancer.
Millions of people around the world who tuned in to ESPN on July 16 for the award ceremony heard Schumacher-Cawley’s story of being diagnosed with breast cancer in October and going through 15 rounds of radiation while coaching Penn State to a national championship in women’s volleyball.
The fact that she was the first woman to win a national title in the sport is a significant enough accomplishment. But it took a back seat to the fact that she did it while fighting cancer all season.
New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson introduced her and called Schumacher-Cawley “an extraordinary, extraordinary woman.
“Over the last year, she fought cancer not only in the hospital, but on the volleyball court by coaching through her illness and refusing to allow cancer to be her only victory,” he added.
The 45-year-old Schumacher-Cawley graduated from McAuley in 1997 and helped lead the Mighty Macs to two state championships.
But her biggest battle came in October.
“I’m beyond humbled and truly grateful for this moment,” Schumacher-Cawley said in her speech. “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.”
She thanked a host of people including her family, friends, doctors and the Nittany Lions volleyball team.
“A person does not fight cancer alone,” she said.
Schumacher-Cawley said her players kept her going throughout the ordeal.
“You inspired me every day to keep fighting and you reminded me what it means to be part of something bigger than yourself,” she said. “That jersey we wear means everything in the bond we share is unbreakable.”
Valvano’s 1993 plea of “Don’t give up, don’t ever give up,” is still an inspiration and as Schumacher-Cawley wrapped up her speech, she couldn’t help but to acknowledge it.
“I would like to thank coach Valvano and the foundation for being a part of this mission that says don’t ever give up,” she said. “This is bigger than me and bigger than this stage because this is about hope. It’s about every person sitting in a chemo chair right now wondering if they can keep going.”
“I shared this with everyone who’s ever faced this disease: the survivors with those still fighting and with the ones that we’ve lost especially my dad.
“This is for you. Keep showing up keep believing and please never, ever give up.”