A pair of rookies with Indy Ignite are from Indiana, plus a new setter to run the offense, familiar faces returning from last year's runner-up season.
FISHERS — Indy Ignite coach Lauren Bertolacci recently learned, experiencing her first Indiana winter, she can’t walk in the snow. Most Ignite players either claim Beyoncé or contemporary Christian artists as their favorite musicians. Death and injury have reshaped how some Ignite players view life.
There are seven returnees from last year’s team and eight new players on the Ignite. Indy drafted Fort Wayne native Cara Cresse with the fifth pick in the 2025 Major League Volleyball Draft in November. From former Roncalli High School star Emma Halter returning home to setter Mia Tuaniga’s profound appreciation for her Samoan heritage, each player has a story. Middle blocker Lydia Martyn said it best: “We are more than just athletes.”
Get to know the 2026 Indy Ignite team, who open the MLV season at 7 p.m. Saturday visiting the Dallas Pulse. The Ignite's first three matches are away from home before a home opener Jan. 24 against the Omaha Supernovas.
Cara Cresse, middle blocker
College: Louisville
Something you wish more people understood about volleyball: “It’s just as much, if not more, mental as it is physical. It is such a quick game, so we are required to have a short memory. After a mistake, we must move on to the next play and focus on the next point.”
Something you’ve learned about yourself recently: “I have learned that I am at my best when I just allow myself to be where my feet are — not looking behind me, not looking at what is ahead, but just being present and finding gratitude in that.”
What do you like to do outside of volleyball: “I love to paint, sing and play piano.”
One country you’d like to visit: “I want to visit Switzerland! I am a huge fan of the 'Sound of Music,' and it has always inspired me to visit the Swiss Alps. I’d want to see the mountainside and the cute towns.”
Go-to cheat food/snack: “Brownies and ice cream.”
Goals this season: “My goal as a team is to win a championship title! As for individual goals, I want to grow in my knowledge of the game and improve on my skills. I also want to be the best teammate I can be, whether I’m on the court or not.”
Which teammate would be your emergency contact: “Mia Tuaniga. We see things and life from a very similar perspective, and I would trust her to drop what she’s doing and answer.”
Mia Tuaniga, setter
College: Southern California
What would you want to be if you weren’t a volleyball player: “Growing up, my parents owned a volleyball club that my siblings and I played and coached for, from which they really showed us how they’ve used volleyball as their ministry. So even if I weren’t playing, I would still want to build a volleyball club/academy, and a foundation to continue building and cultivating environments where youth can thrive and learn. Outside of that, I could also see myself in real estate.”
An adversity you’ve endured that makes you appreciate where you are in life: “My parents didn’t come from a whole lot and raised us with a huge sense of gratitude and servanthood. Gratitude for both the big and small things in life, and service to the loved ones around us. We’re very community driven so, anyone who is in need, we’re always there to pick them up.”
One country you’d like to visit: “Samoa, it’s the homeland. Both my parents are from there, and it would be a blessing to learn even more about the culture I come from.”
Something you’ve learned about yourself recently: “I’m allergic to Ibuprofen, which is lowkey tough being an athlete.”
Who or what inspired you to start playing volleyball: “All of my siblings, cousins and both my parents played growing up, so it was kind of inevitable for me to start as well. They were also my biggest inspirations growing up. We worked out and trained together while my parents served as our coaches. It was definitely an experience that made me who I am today.”
Which teammate would be your emergency contact: “Kayla (Lund). She just gives me big sister vibes and is usually pretty calm in stressful situations.”
Camryn Hannah, opposite hitter
College: Penn State
Two artists you’d listen to the rest of your life: “Beyonce and Queen Latifah.”
Who or what inspired you to start playing volleyball: “My mother. She played volleyball in college.”
How do you unwind after a game: “I take a long shower, turn on Transformers and cuddle with my dog.”
Which teammate would be your emergency contact: “Mia Tuaniga or Leketor (Member-Meneh). Both of them would drop anything and vice versa.”
Fun fact: “I am a Disney Adult. 'Cars' is my favorite movie.”
Something you’ve learned about yourself recently: “I am someone who is constantly looking for their next project.”
Azhani Tealer, opposite hitter
College: Kentucky
Something you’ve learned about yourself recently: “I struggle to manage the gap between my expectations and reality, and I’m working on loving that gap.”
Who or what inspired you to start playing volleyball: “Watching Destinee Hooker play back in the day. I saw someone who looked like me doing something I’d never done and I wanted to be like her.”
Lessons learned from last season you’re hoping to apply this year: “We all belong here. This is a high level league and we’ve proven we can compete here, so act like it!”
What would you want to be if you weren’t a volleyball player: “I’d want to work in ministry, and hopefully pair it with sports.”
Two artists you’d listen to the rest of your life: “Beyonce and Maverick City Music or Madison Ryan Ward.”
Fun fact: “I’m listening to the top 100 albums of all time in order. I love music of all kinds.”
Taylor Landfair, outside hitter
College: Nebraska
Something you’ve learned about yourself recently: “I'm fully capable of not being a procrastinator! It's just hard to not be one.”
Who or what inspired you to start playing volleyball: “My mom introduced volleyball to me when I was around 11 or 12 years old. She played in high school and fell in love with the sport, and after my terrible experience with basketball, I thought I might as well try out volleyball.”
Fun fact: “I make a mean chocolate covered strawberry!!”
What do you like to do outside of volleyball: “I love being outdoors! I love trying new places to eat, going on drives with my friends while listening to music, watching 'Criminal Minds' and shopping.”
What would you want to be if you weren’t a volleyball player: “A professional photographer! I love photography and anything that has to do with the arts. I don't have a specific topic or genre I'd like to be a photographer for, but anything with animals, sports, nature, candid, etc.”
Two artists you’d listen to the rest of your life: “Elevation Worship and Lewis Capaldi.”
Which teammate would be your emergency contact: “Blake (Mohler) because she seems responsible and gives off very mature energy.”
One country you’d like to visit: “Australia, because I'd love to visit Sydney. It looks like a beautiful place to explore.”
Leketor Member-Meneh, outside hitter
College: Pittsburgh
Something you wish more people understood about volleyball: “There’s a lot more skill involved than one might think.”
An adversity you’ve endured that makes you appreciate where you are in life: “Losing access to my muscles. I’m much more appreciative to be able to do basic things like run, walk and stand for long periods of time and play, of course.”
What would you want to be if you weren’t a volleyball player: “Muscle activation therapist or a neuromuscular specialist. It can change the life of a person, and helping people is what I love to do.”
Two artists you’d listen to the rest of your life: “Maverick City and Drake.”
Go-to cheat food/snack: “Reese‘s peanut butter cups"
Alexandra Botezat, middle blocker
College: Guglielmo Marconi University (Italy)
Fun fact: “Balloons make me anxious! I jump every time they pop.”
Something you’ve learned about yourself recently: “I've learned that I'm able to adapt in new environments faster than I think.”
What would you want to be if you weren’t a volleyball player: “If I weren't a volleyball player, I would probably have studied to become a language teacher. I really enjoy learning languages because they give you access to different cultures and ways of thinking. I'm also very drawn to the teaching profession. I like the idea of being organized, guiding others and giving students the tools to learn and discover new things.”
Goals for this season: “My goal this season is to appreciate every moment and enjoy the journey together as a team. Since the team last season reached the finals, we want to level up and take the next step by playing each game with confidence, personality and a strong sense of our identity.”
Go-to cheat food/snack: “Popcorn, fries and Reese's Cups.”
Anna DeBeer, outside hitter
College: Louisville
Who or what inspired you to start playing volleyball: “I used to be a gymnast, as that was my main sport throughout my whole childhood, but an injury led me to volleyball. As I was getting a little too tall for gymnastics, my dad said I should give volleyball a try, and the rest is history.”
Something you’ve learned about yourself recently: “From playing professionally in the Philippines for three months in the offseason, I have really learned a lot about myself and how independent I am and have become recently. I've learned to enjoy the time spent just by myself way more than I have before.”
What do you like to do outside of volleyball: “Hangout with friends and family, do hot yoga or any good recovery, go on walks, shop, shop and SHOP some more, make some good healthy food and try new recipes, dress up and not be in athletic wear for once.”
Two artists you’d listen to the rest of your life: “This is hard, but Morgan Wallen is definitely one of them, and then I'd say Beyonce.”
Which teammate would be your emergency contact: “Blake Mohler — I just know she would answer and drop everything to help with whatever is needed.”
Elena Scott, libero
College: Louisville
What do you like to do outside of volleyball: “I like to spend time with my family and friends, play board games or some sort of competitive game and go shopping!”
One country you’d like to visit: “Somewhere in the Caribbean because I’ve always wanted to swim in crystal clear water & go snorkeling in the ocean!”
Which teammate would be your emergency contact: “Kayla Lund, because she is like a mother, and she would find a way to help me out quickly and safely.”
Something you’ve learned about yourself recently: “I’ve recently learned within sports, it is just as crucial to take care of your mental health as much as it is physically.”
Who or what inspired you to start playing volleyball: “My parents inspired me to play, they actually met playing volleyball, and it’s something our whole family enjoys. When we were little, my mom even started a volleyball club for our family, which really sparked my love for the game.”
Lessons learned from last season you’re hoping to apply this year: “In my first year of professional volleyball, I learned that there’s a big shift from college in all aspects. This is your job now, so it takes more discipline, focus, and dedication both on and off the court.”
Lydia Martyn, middle blocker
College: Oklahoma
Lessons learned from last season you’re hoping to apply this year: “Every person buying into the team and believing in the staff is so important. Our dedication to executing the game plan and scoring points will force us to work together selflessly. We > me mindset.”
Something you’ve learned about yourself recently: “I’ve learned that I often don’t reflect on the positive progress I’ve made this year, usually just what I need to get better at. But, I’m working on changing that mindset.”
Two artists you’d listen to the rest of your life: “Casting Crowns — their music is scripture-based and moving through storytelling. Justin Bieber, because I really like his voice.”
Something you wish more people understood about volleyball: “We are more than just athletes. We are people who can hold our own beliefs that not everyone in sports will agree with, but that doesn’t justify their negative comments toward us online.”
An adversity you’ve endured that makes you appreciate where you are in life: “I’ve had several injuries throughout my career. Although it’s very frustrating, my conversations with athletic trainers, teammates and coaches during that downtime are something I would never give up. I’m thankful for my health and having such a great support system to help me through those.”
Who or what inspired you to start playing volleyball: “Honestly, I was tall, and I needed a way to pay for college. After I started playing in high school, I just loved watching the Olympic teams on YouTube after school and shaped my game after theirs.”
Emoni Bush, outside hitter
College: Oklahoma
Who or what inspired you to start playing volleyball: “My friends actually had to drag me to volleyball tryouts in middle school.”
Fun fact: “I’m terrified of cats.”
Go-to cheat food/snack: “Dr. Pepper and Cheez-Its.”
What would you want to be if you weren’t a volleyball player: “An interior designer because I love decorating.”
Country you’d like to visit: “Maldives, because I love how peaceful it looks there and I love the ocean.”
Ainise Havili, setter
College: Kansas
Two artists you’d listen to the rest of your life: “Beyoncé and Olivia Dean.”
Lessons learned from last season you’re hoping to apply in this one: “I learned better ways to be patient with myself and my own growth. Everyone’s journey looks different and I’m grateful for every opportunity that I get.”
An adversity you’ve endured that makes you appreciate where you are in life: “A good friend passed away unexpectedly while I was playing overseas. After he passed, my perspective of the game and life flipped completely, but I’m grateful for it. I learned life is short and fleeting, and even though I love this game, it is truly just a game.”
Which teammate would be your emergency contact: “Probably Blake Mohler. She would answer on the first ring and be wherever I needed her without hesitation.”
Fun fact: “I have a permanently broken nose.”
Kayla Lund, outside hitter
College: Pittsburgh
What would you want to be if you weren’t a volleyball player: “A counselor helping underprivileged/traumatized kids/teens. I got my master's in developmental psych and would love to help kids/teens in any way!”
One country you’d like to visit: “Japan. Their culture is so beautiful. I’d love to experience their cuisine.”
How do you unwind after a game: “A long self care night, healthy meal, time with family if they came to a game or go home and watch a comfort show.”
Which teammate would be your emergency contact: “Azhani Tealer. I know she’d come through with any emergency.”
Something you’ve learned about yourself recently: “I’ve fallen back in love with volleyball since being here.”
Blake Mohler, middle blocker
College: Purdue
Go-to cheat food/snack: “A gooey cookie.”
Fun fact: “I have my boating license.”
How do you unwind after a game: “Parks Place.”
Something you’ve learned about yourself recently: “How important my faith is to me.”
Which teammate would be your emergency contact and why: “Ainise (Havili) — no judgement and would do anything to help when you need it.”
Emma Halter, libero
College: Texas
What would you want to be if you weren’t a volleyball player: “I would probably want to work in medical sales, as it would tie in my business knowledge from college and my desire to help people on the medical side of it."
An artist you’d listen to the rest of your life: “CeCe Winans. Her worship music is so uplifting and always sets me in the right mindset for the day!”
Fun fact: "I played basketball in high school."
Something you’ve learned about yourself recently: “Recently, I have grown to realize how much I truly love to learn new things and soak in the knowledge that others have to share.”
Who or what inspired you to start playing volleyball: “My sister Courtney inspired me to start playing volleyball because she is 10 years older than me, and I grew up watching her play. Her love for the game inspired my love for the game at a young age.”
Goals this season: “I want to be the best teammate I can be and do whatever my team needs of me to the best of my abilities. Along with this, I want to learn as much as I can and get better every day.”
Lauren Bertolacci, coach
Something you’ve learned about yourself recently: “I cannot walk in snow.”
Who or what inspired you to start playing volleyball: “Lang Ping was one of the only female coaches when I was playing.”
Something you wish more people understood about volleyball: “We hit the ball at 55 miles per hour or more.”
Go-to cheat food/snack: “Kinder chocolate.”
What do you like to do outside of volleyball: “Walk my dog, Major.”
Goal(s) this season: “Win.”
Pepper, mascot (aka the ‘Queen of Volleyball’)
What do you like to do outside of volleyball: “I LOVE to go shopping with my besties!”
What would you want to be if you weren’t a volleyball mascot: “If I were not the Queen of Volleyball like I am, I would be a philanthropic millionaire because I love helping others, supporting my friends, and looking great while doing it.”
Two artists to listen to the rest of your life: “Beyonce, obviously. Chappell Roan — no explanation needed.”
Go-to cheat food/snack: “Starbucks Lemon Loaf — need I say more?”
Adversity you’ve endured that makes you appreciate where you are in life: “Being the first female volleyball team in the Indianapolis area, let alone the whole Midwest, was huge to make the first print in the cement for the future of Indy, volleyball and sports. I have to take time to appreciate what steps I have made so far and keep the present in mind.”
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: 2026 Indy Ignite roster features Emma Halter, Cara Cresse, Louisville stars
Category: General Sports
