Oct. 15, 2008

Chicago, Ill. - UIC assistant coach Katie Schumacher-Cawley will be inducted into the Chicagoland Sports Hall of Fame on Wednesday, Oct. 15 at the Hawthorne Race Course in Cicero, Ill.

Hosted by veteran sportscaster Tom Shaer, the event will honor more than 20 retired champions, current coaches and officials from all over the country. In addition to Schumacher-Cawley, Chicago mayor Richard M. Daley, Chicago Bears legends Dick Butkus, Gale Sayers and Keith Van Horne, Chicago Cubs great Andre Dawson, Chicago Blackhawks president John McDonough, Pro Football Hall of Famer Marv Levy and a long who's-who list will be recognized for their success and contributions to Chicago sports.

"It is a privilege and honor to be recognized with so many great athletes who have been significant figures in Chicago history," said Schumacher-Cawley. "It will be amazing to share this honor with my family, who has meant everything in my athletic career from grade school to college."

A 2002 graduate of Penn State, Schumacher-Cawley helped lead the Nittany Lions to an NCAA Division I Championship and three Big Ten titles. In addition, she was named a three-time All-Big Ten selection, two-time All-American and an AVCA All-Region selection while playing for Penn State.

Schumacher-Cawley was also a decorated high school volleyball player for perennial powerhouse Mother McAuley on Chicago's South Side. The outside hitter was named a Girls Catholic Athletic Conference (GCAC) selection all four years and guided her squad to two state championships.

Following her graduation from college, Schumacher-Cawley was named to the GCAC Hall of Fame in 2003.

Schumacher-Cawley looks at her induction into the Chicagoland Sports Hall of Fame as a symbol of how far women's athletic programs have come over the years.

"I am proud of how far female athletics programs have advanced," said Schumacher Cawley. "I am truly humbled by this tremendous recognition."