Indy Ignite named Lauren Bertolacci head coach on July 2, securing the decorated Australian tactician’s leadership of the team into its second Pro Volleyball Federation season in 2026.
Bertolacci arrives fresh off guiding Switzerland’s Women’s National Team to its first CEV Volleyball European Silver League championship last weekend.
Moreover, Bertolacci brings a decade of elite coaching success. She steered four Swiss Cup titles across seven seasons, culminating in a historic 2024 CEV Cup finals run and a 207-37 career record.
Her Swiss national squad achieved its best-ever finish at the 2023 European Championships under her leadership.
“From my first Ignite conversations, I connected deeply to their vision,” Bertolacci said. “Joining a team that reached finals in its inaugural season is thrilling. Pushing toward 2026 championship contention is a tremendous honor.”
Indy Ignite president and general manager Mary Kay Huse emphasizes Bertolacci’s pedigree: “Lauren’s championship mentality and European success align perfectly with our ambitions. Her focus on culture and aggressive mindset will elevate this franchise and U.S. professional volleyball.”
Beyond coaching, Bertolacci actively championed women’s leadership in Swiss volleyball, mentoring female coaches and advocating for nationally televised matches and stronger league standards.
She begins her role immediately, tasked with building on Ignite’s 2025 runner-up finish in the Pro Volleyball Federation Championship.
Bertolacci will relocate to Central Indiana with her wife, Haley, and their dog, Major. She will collaborate with Ignite’s front office to expand the team’s community impact and promote volleyball regionally.
The Indy Ignite, part of the premier U.S. pro volleyball league, opens its second season in January 2026. Tickets are available at IndyIgnitevb.com.
Contact Multi-Media & Senior Sports Reporter Noral Parham at 317-762-7846 or via email at noralp@indyrecorder.com. Follow him on Facebook @HorsemenSportsMedia. For more sports, click here.
Noral Parham is the multi-media & senior sports reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder, one of the oldest Black publications in the country. Parham has worked with various leagues to provide a diverse perspective in sports, including the Big Ten, Big East, IHSAA, IndyCar, MLB, NHRA, NFL, NBA, WNBA, WWE and the Olympics. Prior to joining the Recorder, Parham served as the community advocate of the MLK Center in Indianapolis and senior copywriter for an e-commerce and marketing firm in Denver.
