Indy Ignite celebrates International Women's Day with leadership panel and match

The volleyball team hosts a pre-match panel featuring local women executives and a match theme recognizing the anniversary of Title IX.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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Indy Ignite, the top-ranked team in Major League Volleyball, will celebrate International Women's Day this Sunday with a home match against the Grand Rapids Rise. The event will include a leadership panel featuring local women executives and a match theme titled 'Ignite Rewind' that recognizes the 1972 enactment of Title IX, the federal law that provides equal opportunities in education and athletics.

Why it matters

The event highlights the progress made in women's sports and business since the passage of Title IX, which has opened up more opportunities for women in leadership roles across various industries. Indy Ignite's celebration aligns with the team's mission to honor women at each home match, but this game holds special significance given the International Women's Day holiday.

The details

Tickets for the panel and match start at $30 and are available through Ticketmaster. The pre-match leadership panel at 3:30 p.m. will feature Mel Raines, CEO of Pacers Sports & Entertainment; Melina Kennedy, CEO of Central Indiana Corporate Partnership; and Amy Schumacher, CEO of The Heritage Group. The discussion will focus on leadership and taking risks. The 'Ignite Rewind' theme is designed to highlight the history of women's athletics and the progress made since the enactment of Title IX.

  • The event takes place this Sunday, March 8, 2026.
  • The leadership panel is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. prior to the match.
  • Indy Ignite is at the midpoint of its season with a 12-2 record.

The players

Indy Ignite

The top-ranked team in Major League Volleyball with a 12-2 record.

Mary Kay Huse

The president and general manager of Indy Ignite.

Mel Raines

The CEO of Pacers Sports & Entertainment and a panelist.

Melina Kennedy

The CEO of Central Indiana Corporate Partnership and a panelist.

Amy Schumacher

The CEO of The Heritage Group and a panelist.

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What they’re saying

“Our three panelists are Mel Raines, who's the CEO of Pacers Sports & Entertainment; Schumacher, the CEO of The Heritage Group; and Kennedy, who's the CEO of Central Indiana Corporate Partnership, so it's a fantastic group of women.”

— Mary Kay Huse, President and General Manager, Indy Ignite (wishtv.com)

“The theme of the game is Ignite Rewind. So we're also celebrating, kind of going back, but part of that is Title IX, celebrating Title IX and just all the progress we've made both in sports and business.”

— Mary Kay Huse, President and General Manager, Indy Ignite (wishtv.com)

“We love to honor women every match, but this will be extra special.”

— Mary Kay Huse, President and General Manager, Indy Ignite (wishtv.com)

What’s next

Indy Ignite will be featured in a women's celebration special on WISH-TV on March 24.

The takeaway

Indy Ignite's celebration of International Women's Day showcases the progress made in women's sports and business since the enactment of Title IX, highlighting the importance of providing equal opportunities and recognizing women in leadership roles across various industries.