Indy Ignite: A New Era for Women's Professional Volleyball in Fishers, IN

by Derrick White

The city of Fishers, Indiana has a new professional sports team to cheer for. Indy Ignite has launched its inaugural season in the Pro Volleyball Federation (PVF). An expansion team in the league, Ignite is bringing women's professional volleyball to the heart of Indiana for the first time. With the team’s home games at nearly full capacity and notable appearances from the likes of WNBA star Caitlin Clark attending their recent match, the Indy Ignite has already begun to make waves in the local sports community.

Founded in January of 2024, the Professional Volleyball Federation (PVF) consists of eight teams this season, and the Ignite is part of a larger movement to grow the sport of women’s professional volleyball in the U.S. The league employs a draft system, similar to those seen in other professional sports leagues, where players are selected to join teams based on their skills, potential, and previous experience. For the Ignite, this means that their roster is a mix of experienced players and fresh talent, each with a unique story and skill set.

According to Provolleyball.com, the Indy Ignite (having the #2 pick) chose Anna DeBeer from Louisville in the first round of the draft. Provolleyball.com states, “The standout performer has recorded nearly 1,400 kills in her career and has led the Cards to a 25-3 record and top five national ranking.” An outside hitter, DeBeer is sure to be one to look out for as the 2025 season progresses.

The Indy Ignite is 3-0 this season, triumphing over the Orlando Valkyries, the Grand Rapids Rise, and the Columbus Fury. Notable players on the Ignite are opposite hitter Azhani Tealer and outside hitter Leketor Member-Meneh. 

Azhani Tealer’s (Kentucky alum) tenure at the Orlando Valkyries in the 2024 season (where she racked up 77 kills, 62 digs and 18 blocks), proved beneficial for the Indy Ignite this season. Tealer continues to dominate the court with 36 kills, 30 digs, and six blocks already. Her powerful spikes and strong defensive plays make her an essential part of the Ignite’s lineup.

According to Volleyball World, Leketor Member-Meneh (a Pitt alum) is the league’s second best scorer with 71 kills, three aces, and two blocks. She’s known for her powerful attacks and exceptional defensive skills and is a standout performer on the court. Her athleticism and versatility make her a key asset for her team, as she consistently contributes both offensively and defensively. Member-Meneh’s ability to take control of crucial moments in matches has made her one of the top players in her position.

As if the team isn’t set up for victory enough, the team’s head coach George Padjen is coming off a 21-year assistant coach position at the volleyball program at Concordia University in St. Paul, Minnesota. He has three assistant coaches supporting him: Izzy Ashburn (a five-season Wisconsin Badger), John Shondell (coached 19 seasons at Purdue University), and Brett Agne (a three-season assistant coach at Indiana University). 

The sport’s scoring system, which is familiar to most, involves teams competing in sets, with the first team to reach 25 points winning a set. The team that wins three sets is declared the victor, which means every point counts.

Volleyball can be a fast-paced sport with lots of back-and-forth action. The team’s strategy often includes precision serves, strong defensive plays, and powerful attacks at the net. The Indy Ignite works cohesively as a unit. As the season progresses, it will be exciting to see how the players develop their chemistry and refine their skills.

The Indy Ignite’s next game is this Friday, the 24th, when they’ll face the San Diego Mojo at 7:05 PST. The team continues to grow and gain recognition, both locally and nationally, and it’s clear they have the support of their fans, a promising roster of players, and a passionate coaching staff ready to lead them to success.

For those who missed the first few games, there will certainly be more opportunities to witness the Ignite in action. Whether you're a seasoned volleyball fan or new to the sport, there’s no better time to get to know the Indy Ignite and watch their exciting journey unfold.

You can learn more about the team at: https://provolleyball.com/teams/indy-ignite 

Team Roster:

Caroline Crawford Middle Blocker Wisconsin

Anna DeBeer Outside Hitter Louisville

Ainise Havili Setter Kansas

Sydney Hilley Setter Wisconsin

Isabel Martin Outside Hitter Florida

Lydia Martyn Middle Blocker Oklahoma

Leketor Member-Meneh Outside Hitter Pitt

Blake Mohler Middle Blocker Purdue

Kylie Murr Libero Minnesota

Chiamaka Nwokolo Middle Blocker Pitt

Nnedi Okammor Middle Blocker SMU

Elena Scott Libero Louisville

Carly Skjodt Outside Hitter Michigan

Azhani Tealer Opposite Hitter Kentucky

Grace Wade Opposite Hitter Purdue

Nina Čajić Outside Hitter Tennessee

Overall Team Stats:

Source: Provolleyball.com

Leketor Member-Meneh Stats:

Source: Provolleyball.com

Azhani Tealer Stats:

Source: Provolleyball.com