CHICAGO (WLS) — Chicago native Katie Schumacher-Cawley accepted the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance last night at the ESPYS.

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The Penn State women’s volleyball coach was diagnosed with breast cancer last year.

But the McAuley graduate continued coaching, while fighting her own fight, without missing a practice.

That grit and determination took Schumacher-Cawley all the way to the NCAA National Championship.

She became the first woman to guide Penn State to the championship game.

She was honored on Wednesday for her perseverance at the ESPY awards.

“This past year has been beyond anything I could have imagined,” Schumacher-Cawley expressed. “It was packed with challenges, grit, and tears, but also with insight, purpose, and immense love. Cancer altered my life, but it didn’t end it. It didn’t take away my belief, my spirit, or my team.”

Katie graduated from Mother McAuley High School in 1997. She was a star athlete on both the volleyball and basketball teams.

President of her alma mater Carey Temple Harrington says they are overwhelmed with pride.

“Her athletic prowess and character do not surprise us,” Temple Harrington noted. “She has remained the same person she was at Mother Macauley. Embodying humility, grace, inclusivity, and having deep ties to our community, she recently visited for a tournament just last Friday night.”

Katie is now in remission. She credits her husband, three daughters and her mom, for helping her through.

Click here to watch the full video recounting her journey.

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