“IGNITING” THE FIRE”
HANNAH COREY (INDIANA SRN SPORTS)
On January 11th, 2025 Indy Ignite kicked off their inaugural season with a historic match becoming the first professional women’s volleyball team in the state of Indiana. As the first add on team to the Professional Volleyball Federation (PVF), Ignite made a statement with their win over the Orlando Valkyries in front of a sold out crowd Saturday night. It was an “electric night” said Jen Spicher, chief executive officer of the Pro Volleyball Federation. Despite losing the first set 13-25, the Ignite were able to get it done. When asked after the match what changed from the first set to the second, libero Kylie Murr responded: “Nothing. We just let it go.” And let it go they did. After a Sydney Hilley dump to end a long rally in the second set to tie it 9-9, the Ignite took off finishing the set 25-19. From then on, Indy did not look back. Every point and set had purpose. It was truly spectacular getting to witness this match first hand. As I try to captivate this historic match into words there are three things that stick out to me.
- SYDNEY FRICKING HILLEY. As someone who has watched her throughout her college career at Wisconsin, I knew she was going to be a player to keep my eye on. After getting to see her play in person, one word comes to mind: DECEPTIVE. Her ability to keep a spread offense while at the same time making sure to establish herself as a threat is like no other. What sets Hilley apart is her neutral positioning that keeps opposing blockers having to wait until the last possible second to release, leaving her attackers in great positions to score. When you add in her offensive mindset and awareness to feed the hot hitter, it makes stopping the Ignite offense a daunting task.
- Ignite Has The FIRE. Coincidence, I don’t think so. Being that Ignite has only been playing together since December I was slightly nervous in seeing how they would respond after losing the first set. My nerves were quickly put at ease the first point of the second set. Ignite came out ready to TAKE the match. Every point was done with determination and focus. The best part – they play for each other. When Hilley was asked what led to her setting a successful match she was quick to give credit to her passers. “…I think the passers put me in a great position to be able to spread the offense. But it came to a point when I was like ‘okay it’s time to feed the beast…AKA Lek.” To which Leketor (Lek) Member-Meneh responded: “Syd is acting like she didn’t set me butter. I could put those sets on my pancakes.” This just goes to show the camaraderie and cohesiveness this team has at such an early point in the season. I cannot wait to see how this team further develops as the season continues.
- Ignite has created an EXPERIENCE. Everyone involved at Indy Ignite has done a spectacular job in making it much more than just a volleyball game you are attending. They have made it an experience. All of Indiana showed up to make their support known. Whether it was Rowdie from the Indians or Blue from the Colts, the backing Ignite had was incredible. The most inspirational part of the night was getting to see hundreds of young girls seeing their role models play professional volleyball. Indy Ignite is paving the way for the next generation of volleyball players here in Indiana. Getting to say I was a part of this historic day is something I will treasure forever.