INDIANAPOLIS – On Friday, Mary Kay (MK) Huse was named the General Manager and President of Indy Ignite, the first women’s pro volleyball team in Indianapolis. In her role, Huse will lead the overall mission and direction of the team and business operations.
“When we founded Indy Ignite, Don Hutchinson and I knew that we needed a team of powerhouse women to lead the way forward—both on and off the court,” said Jim Schumacher, co-owner of Indy Ignite. “MK Huse is an insightful, driven leader with an eye for talent and a burning passion for volleyball. Her expertise in tech and entertainment will ensure that our team brings innovation to the forefront in an already future-forward league.”
Mary Kay Huse is a visionary entrepreneur with 20 years of experience in strategic operations, revenue growth, product innovation and startup culture. An Indiana native, she joined ExactTarget in 2004 and maintained an executive role in the company after its acquisition by Salesforce, playing an important role in the company’s rise to the world’s #1 CRM Provider.
“Indiana has long been known for basketball and racing, but I’m on a mission to ensure that the rest of the country recognizes that Indiana is a volleyball state,” said Mary Kay Huse, GM & President of Indy Ignite.
Huse then went on to launch her own digital enterprise and co-founded Mandolin, a live-streaming platform named Fast Company’s Most Innovative Music Company in 2022. Her ingenuity and leadership helped shape a generation of industry-leading technology, earning her a spot on Billboard’s 2021 Change Agents List and its 2022 Top Women in Music List. Now, Huse will bring that same innovative mindset to Indy Ignite.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to revolutionize the sports industry as we know it, and I’m honored that Don and Jim have trusted me to build this team and the culture around our brand,” said Huse. “Indiana has long been known for basketball and racing, but I’m on a mission to ensure that the rest of the country recognizes that Indiana is a volleyball state.”
“Indy is already a national leader in women’s volleyball—with some of the nation’s top talent growing up on our courts. To be able to strengthen that reputation, build on that foundation and create new opportunities for Hoosier girls is an incredible way to give back to the community I call home.”
MK Huse grew up in Lebanon, Indiana, where she first discovered her love of sports. She played volleyball, basketball and tennis in high school, before continuing her tennis career in college at DePauw University. Huse then followed her daughter through years of competitive club volleyball, where the entire family including her son became avid volleyball fans.
“Our team is gearing up to provide a truly elevated fan experience—with innovative sports tech, player-led workshops and tight-knit community events,” said Mary Kay Huse.
During this time, Huse witnessed the explosive energy of the volleyball community—and the fiery passion that burns in their athletes. Huse hopes that Indy Ignite can become an inspiration for young women like her daughter, while introducing a new generation of fans to the excitement and athleticism of the sport.
“I can’t wait to build a winning team that fires up the state and shows the world what professional volleyball can be,” said Huse. “Our team is gearing up to provide a truly elevated fan experience—with innovative sports tech, player-led workshops and tight-knit community events. And if we do our job right, Indy Ignite promises to be a fierce, fast-paced spectacle that sparks the sports fan in everyone.”
Pro Volleyball Federation will begin 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 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.