When you talk about players who bring the full package—talent, heart, smarts, and hustle—Cate Schnell definitely makes the list. She’s already making a name for herself as part of the Tennessee Lady Vols Volleyball squad, and her journey from high school standout to SEC scholar-athlete shows she’s just getting started.
Cate Schnell: From San Diego to SEC Star in the Making
Cate came to Tennessee from sunny San Diego, where she dominated the court at Cathedral Catholic High School. During her senior year, her team didn’t just win—they went 42–0 and finished as the No. 1-ranked high school team in the nation. She started the season as a defensive specialist and finished it as a six-rotation outside hitter. In other words, she was everywhere and doing everything.
On the club side, she played with Coast Volleyball Club, one of the top programs in the country. Her team finished third nationally at both the AAU Nationals and Junior Nationals. So yeah, Cate’s been used to playing at the highest level for a long time.
Her First Steps on Rocky Top
When Cate visited the University of Tennessee, she felt the vibe instantly. The energy, the people, and the sense of family in the volleyball program pulled her in. She committed and joined the Lady Vols in 2023.
Her first season was a redshirt year, which meant she didn’t play in official matches but got to train with the team and develop her game. It also gave her a front-row seat to a historic season, where the Lady Vols finished with a 26–5 record and made a deep NCAA Tournament run to the Sweet 16.
Game Time: Cate Hits the Court
In 2024, Cate made her collegiate debut, stepping onto the court in a match against Wofford. As a redshirt freshman, she appeared in seven matches, making the most of her time as a serving and defensive specialist.
One of her highlights came against Western Michigan, where she racked up two aces and three digs—a breakout moment that showed what she’s capable of. Overall, she finished the season with 7 digs, 4 service aces, and a couple of assists. Not flashy numbers, but every time Cate was out there, she made plays and brought energy.
Killing It in the Classroom Too
Off the court, Cate’s just as impressive. She’s majoring in Business Analytics and Finance at UT’s Haslam School of Business and has already picked up some big-time academic honors.
She made both the First-Year SEC Academic Honor Roll and the Fall SEC Academic Honor Roll, proving she knows how to manage her time and take care of business. Her coaches and teammates love that about her—she leads by example and holds herself to a high standard in every area.
Leadership, Grit, and What’s Next
Cate comes from a family full of athletes—her mom was a college rower, and her grandfather and aunt played college basketball—so being competitive is in her DNA. Even though she’s still early in her college career, she’s already known for her work ethic, leadership, and team-first attitude.
Now stepping into her redshirt sophomore year, she’s poised to take on a bigger role. With two years of development under her belt, she’s more confident, more versatile, and ready to contribute in a bigger way. Whether it’s from the service line, in the back row, or as an emotional leader, Cate’s presence on the team keeps growing.
She’s also laser-focused on the team’s goals—most importantly, helping Tennessee make a deeper NCAA Tournament run and maybe even reaching the Final Four. She’s not just dreaming about it—she’s working for it every day.
Final Thoughts on Cate Schnell
Cate Schnell is exactly the kind of athlete you want representing your program—talented, smart, driven, and a total team player. From an undefeated high school season to earning SEC academic honors and stepping up on the court, she’s already built an impressive resume. And the best part? Her story with the Lady Vols is only just beginning.
Keep an eye on Cate. Big things are coming.
