University Park, Pa. – The Penn State Women’s Volleyball team,fresh off securing the NCAA Division I Championship,is set to launch its 50th season this weekend with a pair of significant contests at the AVCA First Serve event. The team, currently ranked No. 2 nationally, will first face off against No.12 Creighton on Saturday and then travel to take on No. 14 Kansas Monday.
Championship Legacy and Season Kickoff
Table of Contents
- 1. Championship Legacy and Season Kickoff
- 2. Match Details
- 3. How to follow the Action
- 4. past Context and Streaks
- 5. Scouting the Opponents
- 6. The Evolving Landscape of Women’s College Volleyball
- 7. Frequently Asked Questions about Penn State Women’s Volleyball
- 8. What is the significance of the AVCA First Serve event for Penn State Women’s Volleyball?
- 9. Penn State’s No.2 Women’s Volleyball Team Kicks Off Season with AVCA First Serve
- 10. Setting the Stage: The AVCA First Serve Event
- 11. Key Players to Watch in 2025
- 12. 2025 Season outlook: A Challenging schedule Ahead
- 13. AVCA First Serve Highlights & Fan Engagement
- 14. penn State Volleyball: A Tradition of Excellence
- 15. benefits of Attending penn State Volleyball Matches
- 16. Ticket Information & How to Follow the Team
- 17. Recent Program Developments
The Nittany Lions are entering the season as the defending champions, having achieved a remarkable 35-2 record last year, alongside a 19-1 run in the Big Ten Conference. Coach Katie schumacher-Cawley made history as the first female head coach to lead a team to the NCAA Division I Women’s Volleyball title. Penn State’s journey included a thrilling victory over Nebraska in both the regular season and the National Semifinal, culminating in a four-set win against Louisville for the National Championship.
Match Details
Saturday’s encounter against Creighton, a rematch of last season’s intense NCAA Regional Final, will be broadcast live on FS1 from Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, Nebraska, commencing at 5:00 PM ET. The following Monday, the team will confront Kansas at the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, with the game scheduled for a 6:30 PM ET start and airing on the Big Ten Network.
How to follow the Action
| Match | Date & Time (ET) | Broadcast | Live Stats |
|---|---|---|---|
| penn State vs. Creighton | Saturday, August 23, 5:00 PM | FS1 | Live Stats |
| Penn state vs. Kansas | Monday, august 25, 6:30 PM | Big Ten Network | Live Stats |
past Context and Streaks
Penn state boasts a strong record in season openers, standing at 39-9-1 all-time, and a 2-1 record under Coach Schumacher-Cawley. This year’s opener against a nationally ranked opponent marks the 10th time in programme history, and the third consecutive season they’ve begun against a top-tier team. The team is also currently riding a 12-game winning streak.
Did You Know? Penn State has participated in the AVCA First Serve event six times previously, holding an overall record of 7-5 in the tournament.
Scouting the Opponents
Creighton enters the season with a 32-3 record from last year, having dominated the Big East conference. A coaching change sees Brian Rosen taking the helm, succeeding Kirsten Bernthal Booth. The Bluejays will rely on the strength of returning players like outside hitter Ava martin and middle blocker kiara Reinhardt.
Kansas, coming off a 25-5 season, welcomes a new head coach, Matt Ulmer, following the retirement of Ray Bechard. The Jayhawks are predicted to perform well in the Big 12, with four players earning preseason accolades.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on Penn State’s Gillian Grimes, who has consistently delivered strong performances, with a streak of 10 consecutive matches with double-digit digs.
The Evolving Landscape of Women’s College Volleyball
Women’s college volleyball continues to experience growth in popularity, fueled by increased media coverage and the rising caliber of athletes.The NCAA Women’s Volleyball Championship consistently draws significant viewership, and the sport’s profile is further boosted by the success of American players on the international stage. According to the NCAA, women’s volleyball consistently ranks among the top 10 most popular college sports in terms of attendance and viewership.
Frequently Asked Questions about Penn State Women’s Volleyball
- What is Penn State’s overall record in season openers? Penn State has a historic record of 39-9-1 in season openers.
- Who is the head coach of Penn State Women’s Volleyball? Katie schumacher-Cawley is the current head coach.
- Where will the match against Creighton be broadcast? The game will be aired on FS1.
- What was Penn State’s record last season? The Nittany Lions finished last season with an notable 35-2 overall record.
- Who are some key players to watch for Penn State? Gillian Grimes, Jess Mruzik, and Camryn Hannah were all named to the All-Championship Team last season.
what are your predictions for the Nittany Lions’ season? Will they successfully defend their title? share your thoughts in the comments below!
What is the significance of the AVCA First Serve event for Penn State Women’s Volleyball?
Penn State’s No.2 Women’s Volleyball Team Kicks Off Season with AVCA First Serve
Setting the Stage: The AVCA First Serve Event
Penn State Women’s Volleyball, consistently ranked among the nation’s elite, officially launched its 2025 season with participation in the AVCA First Serve event on August 23rd. This annual showcase isn’t a competition in the conventional sense; rather, it’s a high-profile media day and practise prospect designed to generate excitement for the upcoming NCAA Women’s Volleyball season. The event, held this year at the Penn State Recreation Building, provided fans and media alike with an exclusive first look at the Nittany Lions.
Key Players to Watch in 2025
Head Coach Katie Schumacher-Cawley enters her second full season leading the program, and expectations are high for a team returning a core of talented players. Here are some key athletes to keep an eye on:
Taylor Mitter: A standout middle blocker, Mitter’s blocking prowess and offensive efficiency will be crucial.
Mac MacCauley: The dynamic outside hitter is expected to lead the team in kills.Her six-rotation ability adds meaningful value.
Kendall White: A consistent setter, White’s ability to distribute the ball effectively will be key to unlocking the team’s offensive potential.
Ava Frawley: A rising sophomore, Frawley is poised for a breakout season as a defensive specialist and server.
2025 Season outlook: A Challenging schedule Ahead
Penn State’s 2025 schedule is packed with challenging matchups, including several against Big Ten rivals and non-conference opponents ranked in the AVCA Top 25.
Big Ten Competition: The Big Ten remains arguably the toughest volleyball conference in the nation.Matches against Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Nebraska will be pivotal.
Non-Conference Tests: Early-season tournaments and matches against teams like Stanford and UCLA will provide valuable experience and gauge the team’s readiness for conference play.
NCAA tournament Goals: The ultimate goal, of course, is a deep run in the NCAA Tournament. Penn State aims to return to the Final Four and contend for a national championship.
AVCA First Serve Highlights & Fan Engagement
The AVCA First Serve event wasn’t just about observing practice. It included:
Player Interviews: Opportunities for media to interview players and coaches,providing insights into the team’s mindset and goals.
Autograph Sessions: A chance for fans to meet the players and get autographs.
Social Media Buzz: The event generated significant buzz on social media, with fans using hashtags like #PennStateVB and #AVCAFirstServe to share their excitement.
Scrimmage Viewing: A controlled scrimmage allowed fans to see the team in action, showcasing their skills and teamwork.
penn State Volleyball: A Tradition of Excellence
Penn State Women’s Volleyball boasts a storied history, including seven NCAA National Championships (1999, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2013, 2014). The program has consistently produced All-Americans and Olympic athletes. This legacy of success creates a high standard for current players and fuels the team’s pursuit of excellence. The program’s consistent ranking in the AVCA polls demonstrates its sustained competitiveness.
benefits of Attending penn State Volleyball Matches
Beyond the thrilling competition, attending Penn state volleyball matches offers several benefits:
Electric Atmosphere: The Rec Hall is renowned for its passionate and energetic fan base.
Family-Friendly Entertainment: Volleyball is a sport that appeals to all ages.
Community Building: attending matches fosters a sense of community among Penn State fans.
Supporting Student-Athletes: Your attendance directly supports the team and its players.
Ticket Information & How to Follow the Team
Season tickets and single-game tickets for Penn State women’s Volleyball are available through the Penn State Athletics website (https://gopsusports.com/). Fans can also follow the team on social media:
Twitter: @PennStateVB
Instagram: @pennstatevball
Facebook: penn State Women’s Volleyball
Recent Program Developments
In the off-season, the program focused on strength and conditioning, with a particular
