INDIANAPOLIS – On January 30, Makenzie Knuckles was named the Manager of Marketing, Communications & Community Engagement of Indy Ignite, a franchise team of the Pro Volleyball Federation. In her role, Knuckles will serve as the main liaison between Indy Ignite and its players, partners and fans. This will include hosting events and initiatives to engage the Fan Firestorm while giving back to the local Indianapolis community.
“The most important part of building a brand is the company culture, and that starts with finding a team that shares your vision and passion,” said Mary Kay Huse, GM & President of Indy Ignite. “Indy Ignite is dedicated to uplifting women through the power of volleyball, and no one embodies that mission more than Kenzie Knuckles. She’s a decisive leader and an experienced athlete, and we are proud that her passion for service will help shape the voice of Indy Ignite.”
Kenzie Knuckles grew up in Yorktown, Indiana, where she competed in both high school and club volleyball at Munciana. As a senior, Knuckles led Yorktown to a Class 4A state title with a perfect 34-0 record and an average 4.2 kills per set. She also won a Class 3A state title during her sophomore year and was named an all-state performer every year of her high school career.
“Indy Ignite is dedicated to uplifting women through the power of volleyball, and no one embodies that mission more than Kenzie Knuckles,” said Mary Kay Huse, GM & President of Indy Ignite.
“Returning to Indiana to help grow and strengthen our local volleyball community is a deeply gratifying experience,” said Knuckles. “Indiana is an exceptional volleyball state with a strong competitive environment that consistently produces top-tier athletes. I owe my career to the dedicated coaches and programs here, and this opportunity feels like both a homecoming and a chance to give back to the community that shaped my love of volleyball.”
After graduation, Knuckles attended the University of Nebraska, where she studied Business Administration and earned her Master’s in Public Relations, Advertising and Applied Communications. She played volleyball for the Huskers for four and a half years, starting as a Libero before moving into a Defensive Specialist role.
The University of Nebraska boasts one of the most decorated volleyball programs in the country—with five national championships and more wins than any other team. By the end of her Huskers career, Kenzie Knuckles finished with 1,098 digs, 232 assists, 90 service aces and 66 kills. She was named an Academic All-Big Ten Player three years in a row and led the team as captain until she suffered a season-ending knee injury in her senior year.
“As a little girl, I dreamt of playing volleyball on the world stage. But as I grew older, I realized that pursuing a professional career would mean playing overseas, away from the community that ignited my passion for the game,” said Knuckles. “Now, women’s pro volleyball has come to the United States, allowing countless young girls to dream big while staying true to their roots. For the first time, they have the chance to look up to professional athletes, connect with their journey and envision themselves following a similar path.”
“Indiana is an exceptional volleyball state with a strong competitive environment that consistently produces top-tier athletes. This opportunity feels like both a homecoming and a chance to give back to the community that shaped my love of volleyball,” said Kenzie Knuckles, Marketing Manager of Indy Ignite.
Knuckles looks forward to connecting with local coaches and clubs to create new opportunities for the thousands of young girls in sports across the state. Once Indy Ignite hits the court, the team plans to host a variety of player-led workshops and volleyball clinics designed to help young athletes take their game to the next level.
Pro Volleyball Federation began play in January 2024 with seven teams each playing 24 matches before culminating in a four-team championship in May. Indy Ignite is one of three expansion teams scheduled to debut in January 2025. For more information about the team and how to get involved as a player, a team partner or a member of the Fan Firestorm, visit IndyIgniteVB.com.
ABOUT INDY IGNITE
Indy Ignite is bringing the heat of professional women’s volleyball to Indianapolis. As part of the nation’s premier pro volleyball league, our mission is to pursue victory, empower women and serve our community through the competitive world of pro volleyball. Together, we are paving the way for the next generation of women’s sports and inspiring girls to pursue their passion with relentless ambition. Indy Ignite will debut in January 2025. Sign up for updates, season tickets and more at IndyIgniteVB.com.
ABOUT PRO VOLLEYBALL FEDERATION
Pro Volleyball Federation is REAL PRO VOLLEYBALL and the premier women’s professional volleyball league in North America. Pro Volleyball Federation began play in January 2024 with world-class players and coaches, including some of America’s greatest volleyball players and elite players from around the world. Our entire focus is on ensuring that the level and quality of play, treatment of players, quality of event presentations and the day-to-day fan experience is world-class and the very best offered in North America. For more information, visit ProVolleyball.com.