Yorktown’s Murr enjoying Hoosier Homecoming
FISHERS – Kylie Murr began her professional volleyball career last year in Las Vegas. Next week, she’ll return to the desert for the Pro Volleyball Federation playoffs with her home state team.
“It’s kind of full circle almost,” the two-time Yorktown state champion said. “I’m like, ‘OK, I get to go back. I’m comfortable there at least.’ And I know Vegas is a lot of fun. So it’s just – I’m excited. I’m really excited to be a part of the playoffs this year. Last year, we weren’t fortunate enough to be a part of it. So I’m excited to see this end of it.”
It’s a chance for Murr’s first season with the Indy Ignite to have a storybook finish. But the campaign already has lived up to most of her hopes and dreams.
As soon as Murr got confirmation Indiana was receiving a PVF franchise, she began working on ways to get on the roster.
She got the good news at home in Indianapolis during the offseason and has cherished playing regularly in her home state for the first time since her senior year at Yorktown.
Murr has enjoyed a fan club of sorts during home games this season in the brand-new Fishers Events Center. Family and friends are regularly in attendance, including her parents – former Ball State volleyball player Rhonda Wilson and former Ball State baseball player Scott Murr.
“I wanted to come home,” Murr said. “I knew volleyball in this state meant a lot to everybody, and it meant a lot to me. And I wanted to give back with this opportunity.”
A defensive specialist, Murr has recorded 191 digs this season and averages 1.91 digs per set.
One highlight came in February when she was one of three Indy players – alongside outside hitter Azahani Tealer and setter Sydney Hilley – to take part in the PVF All-Star Match on the Ignite’s home court.
“It was such a dream come true,” Murr said. “I mean, this league is just full of so many talented women, and to even be considered to be alongside these women, it was such an honor. And then, not only to be a part of the game but to be a part of the game in my home state and just have so many people come out and watch. Seriously, (it was) so special, and I was so stoked to be a part of it.”
Murr is no stranger to elite company.
She left Yorktown as the program’s career digs leader and then set the same mark in four seasons at Ohio State and was the first Buckeye to be named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year before finishing her college career at Minnesota.
The 17th overall pick in the inaugural PVF draft in 2023, Murr tallied 358 digs as a rookie last season with the Vegas Thrill before achieving her dream to return to her home state.
The Ignite clinched a top-four finish and a playoff spot Sunday with a 3-1 victory against the San Diego Mojo, highlighting an inaugural campaign that has featured loud and rowdy home crowds and fiercely competitive matches.
“It doesn’t matter if they’re in first in the league or last in the league, everybody’s going to give their best shot, and everybody’s so talented,” Murr said. “And it’s just – it’s great volleyball every single night, in my opinion.”
The Ignite (13-13) weathered a five-match losing skid before clinching a postseason berth with Sunday’s home win.
The roster has evolved throughout the season, and everyone is learning to play together as a unit for the first time.
To put things together quickly enough to make the playoffs in Year 1 is a testament to the players’ drive and character.
“I just think it’s the culture that we built here,” Murr said. “… This team really likes to win, and they’re going to do anything it takes. And I think we just have a lot of good fans, and I just think everyone’s invested here, and it’s just been a really cool opportunity, and I think it’s only going to get better.
“To think this is only Year 1 of it, of professional volleyball in Indiana, I’m like, ‘Oh, my goodness.’ It’s only going to keep growing.”
The Ignite will get a chance to chase a championship May 9 in the semifinals in Las Vegas on CBS Sports Network.
But, for now, their focus remains on Thursday’s final home match at 7 p.m. against the Atlanta Vibe.
Indiana’s passion for volleyball played a major role in Murr’s decision to join the Ignite.
Her home-state fans have not disappointed in Year 1.
“Like we have said all season, they’re our seventh man,” Murr said. “It really makes a difference when we feel the crowd behind us and we feel their energy and their excitement. So I think just one last hurrah at the Events Center would be really good for us to leave on a good note, feel all that support and love.”
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