In professional women’s volleyball, it is not always easy to keep a team together from one season to the next. One-year contracts are common, and rosters can change quite a lot during the offseason. 

Players and clubs have to make decisions based on their goals, opportunities and expectations. That is why Indy Ignite’s decision to bring back 12 players from its 2026 roster is particularly interesting, especially as Major League Volleyball enters 2027 stronger than ever, expanding to 12 franchises and featuring some very strong rosters.

The 2027 Indy Ignite roster is here

Head coach Lauren Bertolacci has played an important role in building a team culture where that continuity can happen. Indy clearly showed its confidence in this group, but the decision also works the other way around. 

The players chose to stay. As professional athletes, they are making decisions about their careers and are free to look at other opportunities. Staying with Indy means that they believe in the organization, the coaching staff and the project, but also in the environment around the team. 

A healthy atmosphere, serious ambitions, loyal and energetic fans, and the feeling of being valued can all play an important role in that decision. In a professional environment, continuity cannot simply be expected; it has to be built by both sides.

The choice also makes sense when looking back at what Indy achieved in 2026. Ignite was clearly the strongest team during the regular season, finishing with 23 wins, the best record in the league. 

The season ended in the playoff semifinals against the Omaha Supernovas, but there was no need for a major rebuild. Indy had a group that had already shown what it could do, and the organization decided to give that group another opportunity to continue growing together.

The 12 returning players are Mia Tuaniga, Elena Scott, Azhani Tealer and Lydia Martyn, the four 2026 All-MLV First Team selections, along with Blake Mohler, Emma Clothier and Cara Cresse at middle blocker; Emoni Bush, Anna DeBeer and Kayla Lund as outside hitters; Camryn Hannah at opposite hitter; and Emma Halter at libero. So far, Tia Scambray is the only newcomer to the Indianapolis-based team.

That continuity could be especially valuable in 2027. The players already know each other, the system and the coaching staff, and they now have the experience of a full professional season together. Instead of starting again, Indy can focus on improving what it already built and trying to take the final step that was missing in 2026.

It is still too early to say how the 2027 season will unfold, and keeping the same core does not guarantee a championship. But with a roster that seems more motivated than ever and a team that has already proven itself over a full regular season, Indy Ignite enters the new season as one of the clear favorites for the 2027 title.

Photos: Major League Volleyball