Azhani Tealer never saw herself as a professional volleyball player. Until 2024, college players often accepted that their last match would likely be tied to their graduation dates.
“I think at some point all of us have dreams of playing on the Olympic team, but that was as far as that went, because professionally, all you could do is go overseas,” Tealer said. “I never thought that would be something that I could do.”
Tealer, 24, was wrapping up her senior season at the University of Kentucky in December 2023 when she was offered the opportunity to play professionally with the Orlando Valkyries in the Pro Volleyball Federation’s inaugural season in early 2024. She would get paid a living wage and be able to stay in the U.S. It was life-changing news.
Three professional women’s volleyball leagues hosted inaugural seasons in 2024. In addition to the PVF, League One Volleyball and Athletes Unlimited also hosted their first games last year. There were no professional women’s volleyball leagues in the U.S. the year prior.
This year, Indy is setting up for a historic season with the launch of Indy Ignite, the first pro volleyball team in Indiana. Their first game – which is sold out – is Jan. 11 at Fishers Event Center.
Volleyball’s sudden breach to the surface of professional sports was a surprise to players and fans, but the notion of bringing pro volleyball to the U.S., according to Ignite President and General Manager Mary Kay Huse, was long overdue.
Huse likens it to the start of leagues like the NBA and NFL, which began as smaller, separate leagues before becoming one national league. She proposes the same type of growth for volleyball.
Tealer’s decision to leave the Valkyries, who had already made it through its first season, to join a new team was far from easy, but she is confident she’s in the right place.
Here’s what she’s been thinking about ahead of her first game with Ignite.
On the strange world of college recruitment
We were 15, maybe younger, choosing where we went to college and it was kind of crazy. I didn’t even know what my favorite color was, and so choosing a place to live for four years was pretty insane.
When I visited Kentucky, I knew something was a little bit different. The people, they were incredible. It was a competitive environment. The team and the program were super successful, and I had the best five years ever, playing there.
What drew her to Indy
College really sets a standard for a lot of us in how we want to be coached, and the culture we want to be a part of. One thing that drew me here was the way that (Head Coach George Padjen) spoke about how he wanted this place to run. I knew that it was going to be really similar to Kentucky, and that’s all I could ever ask for. People care about sports here so much.
The perks of joining a startup
It’s so cool to be a part of something for the first time, and it creates a unique bonding experience for everyone. The whole league is a startup, so there’s obviously going to be things that can be better, and things that they’re doing really well, but it’s really neat to be able to say that you were part of the first year of professional volleyball in the States.
On embracing change
The only constant thing is change, and that was really interesting and kind of hard. I created some really awesome friendships and relationships in Orlando, but Indiana is a sports mecca, and I know that the crowds here and the volleyball – the level of play – is going to be so incredible here.
On playing with joy and gratitude
It’s going to be really cool in 20 or 30 years to say that we are a part of this. I don’t take it for granted that I get to do this and show other girls that this is possible. Supporting these female athletes and being able to ignite this passion for women’s pro volleyball across Indiana is such an exciting opportunity.
Just enjoying my time playing with a lot of joy and gratitude is something that I want to definitely pass on.
Her game day rituals
I’m not super superstitious, but I haven’t played a game or a match without a headband on, probably since high school. If I don’t have a headband, I feel like I can’t even walk straight. So if you ever see me without a headband, know that something’s gone terribly wrong.
Finding her hype music
I love all things worship, gospel and Christian rap. My favorite song right now is “Used By You” by Hulvey, or “Alive” by Forrest Frank.
Ignite’s ‘underdog mentality’
We’re not really a massive team in terms of height, which I think kind of creates this underdog mentality for our team that shines in practice. You’re going to see a team that really wants to fight and win every point, and we’re going to be fiery and have a lot of fun. It’s going to be fun to watch.
Seeing volleyball on national television
Tens of thousands of people are watching games every weekend — even games that are on the same days as NFL games and NBA games — and we’re still drawing so many viewerships. People care about volleyball, and it’s been bubbling under the service for a really long time.
Ignite games will be broadcast both locally and nationally, with six out of 10 home games broadcast nationally and more shown locally through WRTV. All games will be streamed live on YouTube.
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