Training camp is underway and preparations are ramping up for the Indy Ignite as the professional women’s volleyball team gets set to open its second season in January.
In a year-end update to fans, Ignite President Mary Kay Huse said most of December has been focused on getting the organization ready for the 2026 season, both on and off the court.
Nearly all members of the 2026 roster are already training at the team’s practice facility, working to learn the system of head coach Lauren Bertolacci. Three additional players — Cara Cresse, Emma and Taylor — are expected to join the team once their collegiate seasons conclude.
“If you thought the team looked strong and aggressive last season, buckle up for what’s to come,” Huse said in her message.
One of those incoming players, Cresse, brings local ties and national recognition. The Fort Wayne native and University of Louisville middle blocker was named a Third Team All-American this week. Cresse was selected by the Ignite in November and is expected to join training camp in the coming days.
Bertolacci, entering her second season as head coach, emphasized continued growth and innovation in her approach.
“Comfort is the death of teams,” Bertolacci said in the team’s 2026 manual. “What got us here will not take us there. Find new solutions to old problems. Keep changing the game for the better.”
Away from the gym, Ignite players have been active in the community, attending Winterlights at Newfields and making plans to attend the Indianapolis Colts’ final home game of the season on Dec. 28. Fans can expect to see players on the sidelines during pregame warmups at Lucas Oil Stadium.
The Ignite front office is also preparing for the season, finalizing plans for ticketing and match-day experiences. All 14 home matches will feature individual themes, beginning with the home opener on Jan. 24 at Fishers Event Center. The opener, themed “Ignite the Night,” will include the return of a pregame bonfire and s’mores event, which debuted during last season’s sold-out inaugural match.
The Ignite will open the season at home at 7 p.m. Jan. 24 against the Omaha Supernovas, one of the league’s top teams. Tickets are available through the team.
The organization has also expanded its media reach for the upcoming season. All 28 Ignite matches will be available on national broadcast television or via streaming platforms. As part of a new partnership with WTHR, Channel 13, 16 home and away matches will stream on the WTHR+ app during the 2026 season.
Huse said fan support continues to play a key role in the team’s growth, noting recent outreach efforts in which players personally called season ticket holders to thank them for their support.