Hall of Fame Class of 2026

The Pennsylvania Volleyball Coaches Association is proud to recognize the outstanding members of the Pennsylvania Volleyball Hall of Fame Class of 2026. This year's class represents the very best of our sport—individuals whose dedication, leadership, and service have left a lasting impact on volleyball throughout the Commonwealth.

We are honored to celebrate Heather Pavlik of Juniata College, Katie Schumacher-Cawley of Penn State University, and Dan Jackson of Cochranton. Each has made extraordinary contributions to the game through coaching excellence, leadership, mentorship, and a lifelong commitment to developing athletes and growing the sport.

Their accomplishments span all levels of volleyball—from youth development and high school competition to collegiate success on the national stage. Together, they embody the passion, dedication, and service that define the PVCA Hall of Fame.

Congratulations to the Hall of Fame Class of 2026. We thank these remarkable individuals for their contributions to volleyball and for the countless lives they have impacted along the way.

Heather Pavlik | Juniata College

Few individuals have impacted Pennsylvania volleyball as profoundly as Heather Pavlik. As both a player and coach, she has helped establish Juniata College as one of the premier volleyball programs in the nation.

A 1995 graduate of Juniata College, Pavlik was a three-time AVCA First Team All-American setter and one of the most accomplished student-athletes in program history. She helped lead the Eagles to four conference championships and multiple NCAA Division III national tournament appearances, earning recognition on the NCAA Division III Women's Volleyball Silver Anniversary Team and induction into the Juniata College Sports Hall of Fame.

After graduation, Pavlik remained at Juniata and served on the coaching staff for 15 seasons before being named head coach in 2011. Under her leadership, the Eagles have reached unprecedented heights, compiling more than 400 victories, winning three consecutive NCAA Division III National Championships in 2022, 2023, and 2024, and capturing numerous conference titles. Her teams have set records for excellence both on and off the court, including a Division III record-winning streak and multiple undefeated seasons.

Pavlik's accomplishments have earned her numerous coaching honors, including the 2024 AVCA Division III National Coach of the Year award. Beyond the championships and accolades, she has mentored generations of student-athletes while upholding the tradition of excellence that has made Juniata volleyball one of the most respected programs in collegiate athletics.

Through her extraordinary success, leadership, and dedication to the sport, Heather Pavlik has made a lasting impact on volleyball in Pennsylvania and across the nation.

The Pennsylvania Volleyball Coaches Association will recognize Heather Pavlik during a future Juniata College volleyball match. The date and details of the celebration will be announced at a later time.

Katie Schumacher-Cawley | Penn State University

A standout student-athlete at Penn State, Schumacher-Cawley helped lead the Nittany Lions to the 1999 NCAA National Championship and established herself as one of the program’s most accomplished players. Her success on the court helped set the foundation for a lifelong career in volleyball at the highest levels.

Following her playing career, she built an extensive coaching résumé that included head coaching roles at the University of Illinois-Chicago and the University of Pennsylvania before returning to Penn State as part of the coaching staff. In 2022, she was named head coach of the Penn State women’s volleyball program.

In her time leading the Nittany Lions, Schumacher-Cawley has guided the program back among the nation’s elite, continuing the tradition of excellence that defines Penn State volleyball. Her leadership, culture-building, and commitment to her student-athletes have made a lasting impact on the program.

The Pennsylvania Volleyball Coaches Association will formally recognize Katie Schumacher-Cawley during a future Penn State volleyball match. The date and full celebration details will be announced at a later time.

Dan Jackson | Cochranton

Dan discovered volleyball at Cochranton High School in 1971 when his teacher and basketball coach, Frank Smith, agreed to start a volleyball team if Dan could recruit enough players. Although the team never won a set during his two seasons, Dan developed a lifelong passion for the sport.

After graduating, Dan spent 15 years officiating boys and girls high school volleyball throughout northwestern Pennsylvania, including multiple state tournament assignments. In 1986, he became head coach of both the boys and girls volleyball programs at Cochranton High School, leading teams to conference championships, district titles, and state playoff appearances. Many of his former players went on to compete and coach at higher levels.

Dan's greatest impact may have come through youth volleyball. In 1990, he became the first coach in northwestern Pennsylvania to establish an after-school elementary volleyball program. Working alongside fellow Hall of Famer Denny Patton, he helped grow elementary volleyball opportunities throughout the region and introduced innovative ideas that emphasized skill development and fundamentals.

In 2013, Dan expanded the program to include 3rd graders. Over 32 years of volunteer service, he helped introduce countless young athletes to the game he loves.

Through his dedication as a player, official, coach, mentor, and advocate for youth volleyball, Dan Jackson has made a lasting impact on the sport and on generations of athletes throughout Pennsylvania.