Indy Ignite's Winning Formula: Familiar Faces, New Blood
What do you do when you've just smashed records and set the volleyball world on fire? If you're the Indy Ignite, you keep the blaze burning by doubling down on what worked and adding a spark from Switzerland. That's right, the Ignite are back with the same core that seized the 2026 regular-season championship, and they've thrown in a little Swiss magic for good measure.
Twelve players from last season's juggernaut roster are returning, including four who carved their names into the All-MLV First Team. We're talking about Mia Tuaniga, the league's MVP and Setter of the Year, alongside Elena Scott (Libero of the Year), Azhani Tealer (Opposite Hitter of the Year), and Lydia Martyn (Middle Blocker of the Year). This is a team that doesn't just play volleyball; they redefine it.
The Swiss Factor: Enter Tia Scambray
But wait, there's more. Enter Tia Scambray, the Swiss League MVP who’s no stranger to the high-stakes game. Scambray has spent six glorious seasons winning titles with Ignite's head coach, Lauren Bertolacci, at Viteos NUC in Switzerland. She’s a proven champion with seven league titles under her belt. Expect her to bring that championship pedigree to Indy, helping to steer this team towards even greater heights.
New Teams, New Challenges
The 2027 season isn't just about maintaining the status quo. With Major League Volleyball expanding from eight to twelve teams, the competition is about to get fierce. New franchises in Los Angeles, Northern California, Minnesota, and Washington, D.C. will be looking to knock the Ignite off their perch. But don't bet against them. Having already reached the championship match in 2025 and the semifinals this year, the Ignite have shown they're built for the long haul.