“I would like to take a moment to share something deeply personal with all of you. I was recently diagnosed with breast cancer,” Schumacher-Cawley wrote. “This news was very difficult to process and as you can imagine, it brought up a range of emotions. But I approach this with strength, determination and an unshakable sense of hope.

“We will be inspired by the many people in our lives who have battled cancer and emerged victorious.

“I am incredibly fortunate to have a great support system in my family, my team, my friends, my Penn State family and an incredible medical team. Your encouragement and love gave me the courage to face the path ahead with a positive attitude. I know this journey will have its challenges, but I also know that with the care and strength of those around me, I am ready to face it head on.

“I also want to take a moment to thank the women and men who have been through this before me. The strength, courage and determination you have shown has not only been inspiring, but you have also helped drive the incredible progress we see in medicine today. Your journeys have paved the way for better treatments and outcomes, and for that I am deeply grateful. You have helped and will continue to help those who are just starting this fight, like me. Your resilience makes a difference every day.”

Schumacher-Cawley did not appear to be stepping down as head coach.

“As we begin this process, I ask for your understanding, compassion and patience. My focus will be on my family, my team and of course my health and recovery. “It’s business as usual at Rec Hall,” she wrote. “I have the greatest employees who don’t miss a beat.”

Schumacher-Cawley, 44, is in her third season as head coach of the Nittany Lions after serving as an assistant coach for four years. In her three years at the helm, she has a 65-18 record and two NCAA Tournament appearances. This year, Penn State is 16-1 and ranked No. 3 in the nation.

Before her coaching career, Schumacher-Cawley was a standout player at Penn State. She was named All-Big Ten three times and AVCA All-American twice and also won the national championship in 1999. Schumacher-Cawley was also a member of the Penn State women’s basketball team in 2001-02.

Schumacher-Cawley thanked the community and Penn State’s athletic department, including Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics Pat Kraft, for their support following the diagnosis, saying, “It is truly a blessing and shows why Penn State is a special place.”

“As we move forward, I ask that you respect the privacy of this personal journey for my family. We want the focus over the next few weeks and months to be on the team, their season and the incredible things they are doing as inspirational women in the classroom and on the field. WE ARE.”

Penn State’s 2 p.m. game against Minnesota on Sunday will serve as the team’s Dig Pink game in partnership with the Side-Out Foundation. Anyone who is interested in donating to the good cause can do so Here.