Indy Ignite hires George Padjen as first head coach

June 28, 2024 – Pro Volleyball Federation (PVF)
Indy Ignite News Release

INDIANAPOLIS – Indy Ignite, Indiana’s professional volleyball team, announces George Padjen as head coach. A renowned collegiate volleyball coach with 25 years of on-court experience, Padjen comes to Ignite from Concordia University, where he led the team to nine NCAA championships. As head coach, Padjen will recruit Indy’s first players, develop team strategy and prepare Ignite for success in its inaugural season in 2025.

“It is rare to find someone with such genuine passion and dedication as George Padjen,” said Mary Kay Huse, CEO and President of Indy Ignite. “George is meticulously focused on player development. From day one, the Pro Volleyball Federation has focused on players first, and George shares that same sense of servant leadership. I couldn’t be more excited to work hand-in-hand with him as We are building Indy Ignite into a franchise that will energize our fans and make our city proud.”

Prior to Ignite, Padjen spent 21 years as an assistant coach for Concordia University St. Paul’s highly decorated volleyball program. He was hired alongside Brady Starkey—the most successful active volleyball coach in any league—and together they built Concordia St. Paul into one of the greatest dynasties in college volleyball.

Padjen also coached at Minnesota Select, one of the nation’s top volleyball clubs and a breeding ground for volleyball superstars such as Kansas alum and professional winger Jenny Mosser; four-time Academic All-Big Ten Minnesota libero CC McGraw; professional playmaker and University of Wisconsin alum Izzy Ashburn; and former Minnesota First Team All-American Katherine Harms.

“George brings a unique player-driven perspective to his coaching style, helping athletes develop their skills and embrace innovation both on and off the field,” said Jim Schumacher, co-owner of Indy Ignite. “This entrepreneurial spirit makes him the perfect fit for Indy Ignite as our team works to optimize the fan experience and bring the best of women’s volleyball to Indianapolis.”

In addition to coaching, Padjen is also the co-founder of Athlusion – a corporate search firm that connects athletes with career opportunities. Athlusion empowers former athletes to pursue their passions and helps companies find game-changing employees who understand the value of teamwork.

For Padjen, this role is an opportunity to build another winning team and drive innovation in the sports industry. He looks forward to bringing his honest, forward-thinking approach to Indy Ignite and its Fan Firestorm.

“Volleyball is the ultimate team sport. All parts must work together perfectly, but no two players are the same,” said Padjen. “My job is to help each player achieve their individual goals while fostering an environment for team success. At Indy Ignite, we work together to find that exact, right formula for winning by building an enduring culture around the principles of hard work and a positive attitude.”

As head coach of Indy Ignite, Padjen’s first job will be signing 14 world-class players for the team’s debut in 2025. All Pro Volleyball Federation players became free agents at the end of the 2024 season, giving Indy Ignite the opportunity to recruit top players. from other teams.

Negotiations on player contracts are currently underway – with signing announcements from June 30. These recruiting efforts will lead to the Pro Volleyball Federation College Draft at the end of the year.

“This is a pivotal moment for Indy Ignite as we lay the foundation for our future team,” said Don Hutchinson, co-owner of Indy Ignite. “George is already diving in, building relationships and showing the world that Indianapolis isn’t just here to play — we’re here to win.”

Indy Ignite will play at the state-of-the-art Fishers Event Center starting January 2025 – with season ticket deposits now available! Visit IndyIgniteVB.com to secure your season tickets and join the exclusive Indy Ignite Founders Club today.

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