Katie Schumacher-Cawley ‘97 to be Honored at Mother McAuley’s 2026 Celebration Gala

Mother McAuley High School is proud to announce its upcoming Celebration event, the school’s annual gala that honors the school’s legacy of excellence and the transformative power of a McAuley education. Traditionally drawing a full house of alumnae, parents and friends, this year’s Celebration will take place at a new venue - the Union League Club in Chicago - on Thursday, March 12, 2026, and promises to be a night filled with inspiration, recognition and community.

Celebration is not just a fundraiser; it’s a testament to the school’s commitment to empowering young women to become confident leaders who will make a lasting impact on the world. The gala raises crucial funds that directly benefit the McAuley Fund, which supports a wide range of school programs - from academics and the arts to athletics, technology, campus ministry and financial aid. Supporters of this event are making an investment in our mission to empower young women to grow in faith, excel academically and lead with confidence, compassion and courage.

A key highlight of the evening will be the presentation of the Catherine McAuley Leadership Award, which recognizes individuals who embody the spirit of Catherine McAuley, the foundress of the Sisters of Mercy, through their commitment to service, leadership and compassion. This year’s honoree, Katie Schumacher-Cawley ‘97, is a shining example of these values. Her dedication to empowering others, along with her exceptional leadership and mentorship, makes her a true role model. Katie has cultivated a legacy that reflects the very essence of service, compassion and transformative leadership, inspiring all who cross her path.

A celebrated coach and former player, Katie has risen to national prominence as the Head Women’s Volleyball Coach at Penn State University and only the third in the program’s history. She made history in 2024 as the first female coach to win the NCAA Division I Volleyball Championship. Under Katie’s leadership, Penn State also claimed the Big Ten Championship, and she was named Big Ten Coach of the Year. In 2025, she was honored with the prestigious Jimmy V. Award for Perseverance - a testament to her resilience, leadership and dedication to supporting her athletes.

Katie’s journey to success began at Mother McAuley and led the Mighty Macs to state and national titles in volleyball. She was inducted into both the Girls Catholic Athletic Conference (GCAC) Hall of Fame and the Catholic League Hall of Fame in 2003. In 2008, a resolution in the Illinois House of Representatives congratulated Katie for her achievements, and she was also inducted into the prestigious Chicagoland Sports Hall of Fame for her contributions to the sport of volleyball as an athlete and a coach. Katie was part of a class that also included Pro Football Hall of Famers Dick Butkus, Gale Sayers and Marv Levy; Chicago Cubs great Andre Dawson and Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley.

In addition to her volleyball success, Katie also competed at the state level in basketball, earning a fourth-place finish in 1993 and a runner-up finish in 1994.

“Katie is the perfect example of everything we strive for our Mighty Macs to be,” said Carey Temple Harrington ‘86, President of Mother McAuley. “At McAuley, we instill confidence, ambition and leadership in our students. Katie’s extraordinary achievements, both as a coach and role model, show how those values can drive success at the highest levels, inspiring others to dream big and lead with grace and integrity."

We invite all to join us for this inspiring evening as we celebrate the incredible potential of our students and the transformative power of our community. Together, we will continue to make a lasting impact in delivering a lifetime advantage of a McAuley education.

For more information on sponsorships, please visit www.mothermcauley.org/celebration/sponsorships 

For more information on purchasing ads, please visit
www.mothermcauley.org/celebration/program-book-ads 

For more information on donating auction items, please visit
www.mothermcauley.org/celebration/auction-item-donations 

For more information about the Celebration event, please visit www.mothermcauley.org/celebration