Indianapolis, November 25, 2025
The Indy Ignite has made significant roster improvements by selecting two standout players from Indiana in the 2025 Major League Volleyball Draft. Cara Cresse, a middle blocker from Fort Wayne and the University of Louisville, was their first-round pick. Emma Halter, a libero from Indianapolis and the University of Texas, was chosen in the second round. Both players have strong credentials and local ties, promising an exciting season for the Ignite as they prepare for their matches in early January.
Indianapolis, Indiana – The Indy Ignite have enhanced their roster with a strong Indiana presence in the 2025 Major League Volleyball (MLV) Draft, selecting two players with Hoosier roots.
Indy Ignite’s Indiana Selections
The Ignite’s first-round pick was Cara Cresse, a middle blocker from the University of Louisville and native of Fort Wayne, Indiana. Cresse, standing at 6-foot-6, is currently ranked second nationally with an average of 3.21 blocks per set and 15th in hitting percentage at .353. She has been recognized as the ACC Defensive Player of the Week three times this season and was part of the USA Volleyball team that secured a gold medal at the NORCECA Women’s U23 Pan American Cup. Cresse will reunite with former Louisville teammates Anna DeBeer and Elena Scott on the Ignite roster.
In the second round, the Ignite selected Emma Halter, a libero from the University of Texas and Indianapolis native. Halter, 5-foot-5, has been a consistent presence for Texas, playing in every match across four seasons. She earned All-Southeastern Conference Second Team honors this year and was named to the NCAA All-Final Four Team in 2023. Halter attended Roncalli High School in Indianapolis, where she was a Class 4A all-state first-team selection and ranked as the top player in the state.
Additional Draft Highlights
The Ignite also made strategic picks in the fourth round, selecting two powerful outside hitters: Taylor Landfair from Nebraska and Emoni Bush from Oklahoma. Landfair, a 6-foot-5 outside hitter, has been a standout for Nebraska, averaging 2.11 kills per set and contributing significantly to the team’s success. Bush, a 6-foot-3 outside hitter, has demonstrated versatility and an aggressive playing style, making her a valuable addition to the Ignite lineup.
Background on the Indy Ignite
The Indy Ignite, based in Fishers, Indiana, are a professional women’s volleyball team competing in the Pro Volleyball Federation. They play their home games at the Fishers Event Center, a 7,000-seat venue shared with the Indy Fuel and Fishers Freight. The Ignite debuted in the league’s inaugural season and have been building a competitive team with a focus on local talent.
Upcoming Season
The 2026 MLV season is set to begin in early January. The Ignite’s first match is scheduled for January 10 at Dallas, with their home opener at the Fishers Event Center on January 24 against Omaha. Fans can look forward to an exciting season as the team integrates its new talent into the lineup.
FAQ
Who were the Indy Ignite’s first-round draft picks in the 2025 MLV Draft?
The Indy Ignite selected Cara Cresse, a middle blocker from the University of Louisville and native of Fort Wayne, Indiana, with their first-round pick.
What are the key statistics of Cara Cresse’s performance?
Cara Cresse is currently ranked second nationally with an average of 3.21 blocks per set and 15th in hitting percentage at .353. She has been recognized as the ACC Defensive Player of the Week three times this season.
Who is Emma Halter, the Indy Ignite’s second-round draft pick?
Emma Halter is a 5-foot-5 libero from the University of Texas and Indianapolis native. She has played in every match for Texas across four seasons, earning All-Southeastern Conference Second Team honors this year and being named to the NCAA All-Final Four Team in 2023.
What is the schedule for the Indy Ignite’s 2026 MLV season?
The 2026 MLV season begins in early January. The Ignite’s first match is scheduled for January 10 at Dallas, with their home opener at the Fishers Event Center on January 24 against Omaha.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| First-Round Draft Pick | Cara Cresse, middle blocker from the University of Louisville and native of Fort Wayne, Indiana. |
| Second-Round Draft Pick | Emma Halter, libero from the University of Texas and Indianapolis native. |
| Fourth-Round Draft Picks | Taylor Landfair, outside hitter from Nebraska, and Emoni Bush, outside hitter from Oklahoma. |
| Home Venue | Fishers Event Center, a 7,000-seat venue shared with the Indy Fuel and Fishers Freight. |
| 2026 Season Start | January 10 at Dallas, with home opener on January 24 against Omaha. |
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Indy Ignite Selects Two Indiana Players in MLV Draft
Author: STAFF HERE INDIANAPOLIS WRITER
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