INDIANAPOLIS – In a historic announcement, Indy Pro Volleyball—a franchise of the Pro Volleyball Federation—has revealed the name and brand of Indiana’s first professional volleyball team: Indy Ignite. This name pays tribute to the burning passion of the volleyball community, the fierce determination of their athletes and the league’s efforts to spark a new era of women’s pro sports.
“Ignite is a verb—an action. It’s a name that captures the nature of our mission, while emphasizing the bold athleticism of our sport,” said Jim Schumacher, co-owner of Indy Ignite. “In the coming year, we look forward to building a team worthy of this powerful name, bringing together world-class players and passionate partners to create an unforgettable experience for our fans.”
“Ignite is a verb—an action. It’s a name that captures the nature of our mission, while emphasizing the bold athleticism of our sport,” said Jim Schumacher, co-owner of Indy Ignite.
The Indy Ignite logo features an emblem of a blazing torch with a volleyball alight in the center of the flames. This iconography is a tribute to the golden torch on Indiana’s state flag, which represents liberty, enlightenment and their far-reaching impact on the world around us.
The torch also harkens back to Indy’s iconic statue of Victory—a bronze sculpture that stands atop the Soldiers and Sailors Monument in the very heart of Indianapolis. From her vantage point, Victory holds her torch high above the city, serving as a constant reminder of the courage it takes to fight for progress.
“We want our team to light up the court, spark a movement and inspire everyone to embrace the fire within,” said Don Hutchinson, co-owner of Indy Ignite.
“As part of the Pro Volleyball Federation, Indy Ignite is blazing a trail and creating new opportunities for women in sports,” said Don Hutchinson, co-owner of Indy Ignite. “Our name reflects that vision, as we work to support female athletes and ignite a passion for women’s volleyball across Indiana. We want our team to light up the court, spark a movement and inspire everyone to embrace the fire within.”
In addition to the name and logo, Indy Ignite has unveiled its mission, making a commitment “to pursue victory, empower women and serve our community through the competitive world of pro volleyball.” These core values will be the foundation of the team, as Schumacher and Hutchinson continue to build the culture and identity around the Indy Ignite brand.
Ignite the Fire
There is a moment when every match strikes a light. The spark flares, fire crackles and the flames hunger for a chance to burn. But within that moment of ignition—the split-second gasp between the spark and the fire—lives infinite potential.
We are that spark of possibility—a flash of inspiration to fan the flames of success. Our community burns with a passion for volleyball that drives us to carry the torch and IGNITE a movement.
Because this is Indianapolis, where engines burn, athletes boom and the roar of the crowd is only matched by the beat in our hearts. Our city is a beacon for sports fans around the world—and a destination that sparks a fire within.
We are the flare that lights the way forward, as fierce as the fire and as bold as the blaze. We defy limitations, shatter expectations and inspire women to pursue their dreams with relentless ambition. Together, we fuel the future of women’s sports and forge our legacy in the heat of the match.
This is OUR moment. This is INDY IGNITE.
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 THE PRO VOLLEYBALL FEDERATION
Pro Volleyball Federation is REAL PRO VOLLEYBALL and the premier women’s professional volleyball league in North America. Pro Volleyball Federation will begin 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 our level and quality of play, our treatment of players, the quality of our event presentations and our day-to-day fan experience is world-class and the very best offered in North America. For more information, visit ProVolleyball.com.