INDIANAPOLIS — The Indy Ignite's inaugural season is sparking up to be one of the brightest with the addition of an exciting draft class.
In a last-minute move, the Ignite traded its No. 1 overall pick for the No. 2 and No. 9 selections, helping them secure a couple of the nation's favorites from just a couple hours down Interstate 65 in Louisville.
Louisville's outside hitter Anna DeBeer and libero Elena Scott were selected.
“Adding two stars from Louisville in DeBeer and Scott, who already excel on the floor together, will only add to the team chemistry we’re building," said George Padjen, Ignite Head Coach.
The duo took NCAA Women's Volleyball world by storm as freshman and have both continued that success into their senior years.
Since 2020, DeBeer's freshman year, the Cards have won three ACC Championships, made an appearance in the NCAA Tournament Elite Eight, two Final Fours and played in the National Championship in 2022 for the first time in the program's history. Fast forward to 2024, she has record almost 1400 kills in her college career and is currently leading the Cards as they have a 25-3 record ranking them third in the nation.
Now to the back court, Scott was named to the AVCA First Team All-East Region and Second Team All-ACC as a freshman in 2021. That early success would lead to her being named as an AVCA All-American in her last two years. Last season, she was voted as the ACC Defensive Player of the Year and won the Defensive Player of the Week award four times.
“We’re thrilled about the additions to our roster today. We continue to add hard working, gritty athletes who are going to help develop our team culture and grow our franchise,” Padjen said.
The incredible 2024 ignite draft class doesn't stop there though. Here's who else the team picked up:
CC Crawford, a middle blocker from University of Wisconsin, Pick 8, Round 2.
Taylor Trammell, a middle blocker from Penn State University, Pick 4, Round 3.
Nina Cajic, an outside hitter from the University of Tennessee, Pick 4, Round 4.
Isabel Martin, an outside hitter from University of Florida, Pick 1, Round 5.
Middle blockers Nnedi Okammor from SMU and Lydia Martyn from the University of Oklahoma were also invited to the Ignite's training camp starting Dec. 2.
Opening day for Indy's first professional volleyball team is set for Jan. 11, 2025 at the Fishers Event Center.
To get your tickets, click here.
