The Indy Ignite have a new head coach.
On July 2, the Pro Volleyball Federation team announced Lauren Bertolacci as the franchise’s next coach. Bertolacci was previously the head coach of Viteos NUC of Swiss Volley and is also the leader of the Swiss Women’s National Team.
“From my very first conversations with the leadership at Ignite, I felt a strong connection to their vision, values and professionalism,” Bertolacci said in a news release. “It’s clear this organization is building something special, and I’m excited to join a team that made such a powerful statement in its first season. To be part of pushing Ignite toward championship contention again in 2026 is a tremendous honor. The growth of the fan base and the momentum around the team in Indiana is inspiring. I can’t wait to get started!”
Bertolacci replaces George Padjen, who resigned after Indy Ignite’s inaugural season. Indy finished as the league runner-up in May.
“As we embarked on a search for a new head coach, we were happy to find a lot of interest both nationally and internationally,” said Mary Kay Huse, president and general manager of Indy Ignite. “Lauren’s breadth and success of head coaching experience in Europe, along with her championship-winning mentality and reputation, is exactly what we wanted in our next head coach to continue to build this franchise. We are confident that her focus on people and culture coupled with her aggressive mindset is going to take both Indy Ignite and professional volleyball in the United States to the next level. We are lucky to have her join us, and I couldn’t be more excited to dive into 2026 season planning with her immediately.”
According to a release, Bertolacci hails from Australia and has a decade of elite coaching experience. Before she became a coach, she played professionally as a setter in France, Germany, Spain and Switzerland.
Bertolacci begins her tenure with the Indy Ignite immediately.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indy Ignite hire Swiss Women’s National Volleyball Team coach to lead franchise
Reporting by Evan Frank, Indianapolis Star / Indianapolis Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
