Completed Event: Volleyball versus K-State (Exhibition) on August 23, 2025 ,
Final
Volleyball
vs K-State (Exhibition)
University of Oklahoma Athletics
Photo by: Peyton Martin/University of Oklahoma
Q&A: Martyn Reflects on First Season with Indy Ignite
July 17, 2025 | Volleyball
Lydia Martyn is no stranger to making an impact on the court and now, she's doing it on the professional stage. The former Oklahoma middle blocker finished her rookie season with Indy Ignite in the Pro Volleyball Federation this past spring, leading the league in kill percentage and seeing her team finish as the runner-up. We caught up with Lydia to hear about her journey from Norman to Indianapolis, what she's learned so far as a pro and where life will take her next.
You just wrapped up your first season with Indy Ignite, what was that experience like for you stepping into the professional game?
Lydia Martyn: My rookie season was incredible. I knew the pro game would demand more than college and I couldn't wait to test myself at the highest level. Competing professionally in the U.S. is a blessing, and I'm proud of how much I grew in just one year, specifically with my offensive range.
What factors went in to you deciding to play professionally?
LM: Honestly, it wasn't something I thought about pursuing until I transferred from Liberty. On my visit with Aaron, we talked about the possibility of pro ball and that I could make it there if I put in the work. I didn't have enough time in college for high level reps and I felt I had more potential to reach after speaking with many coaches.
Talk about the phone call you got telling you that you'd be joining Indy Ignite.
LM: I had briefly spoken with the Ignite before draft day, but it wasn't clear if they would draft me or pick me up as a free agent. When the draft ended without my name, I wondered what was next. Just before a practice, my phone rang and the entire Oklahoma squad huddled around and we all went crazy together. In that moment I felt pure gratitude for every person who'd backed me.
What have been some of the biggest challenges you've faced playing at the pro level compared to college?
LM: The level of play is of course higher. The consistency and mental discipline required at this level are on another tier. In college, you can get away with a few off moments, but in the pros, every play counts. You're competing against some athletes with years of experience, and it pushes you to find new gears mentally and physically. On top of that, pro rosters turn over constantly, so chemistry has to form overnight. Adaptability is the difference in winning and losing.
Can you share a moment or game from this past season that really stands out as a highlight?
LM: I am simply proud of our team. Comparatively to other teams within the league, we were the youngest. We barely made it into the playoffs to play the Omaha Supernovas, who we had already lost to three times. We were the underdogs, but we fought hard and beat them to play in the finals.
How did you grow as a player during your time with Indy Ignite?
LM: Many of us on the team would struggle with our value because you could get pulled out of a game for making one mistake. I think my role to encourage my teammates and draw attention to the bigger picture improved.
How did your time at Oklahoma prepare you for this leap into professional volleyball?
LM: The coaching and the competition all shaped me into a more disciplined and resilient athlete. I learned how to compete under pressure and how to be part of a team that values growth and grit. If it weren't for Brian (Thornton) and the rest of the staff, I wouldn't have realized how complex the game could be. I had so much fun running a unique offense at Oklahoma and I honestly wish I saw more of that in my professional game.
What's a typical day like for you during the season with Indy Ignite?
LM: Breakfast, lift and a 3 to 4-hour practice block. After practice we'd either hang as a team or I'd head home to hang with my husband. It's a longer grind than college, so recovery isn't just encouraged, it's my job to make sure I'm in the best shape I can be in mentally, physically, and spiritually.
What advice would you give to young players who dream of making it to the pro level someday?
LM: I always like to encourage the younger girls that there is nothing more essential to one's game than trying something new. Yes, it's frustrating to fail in the beginning but that's necessary to feel the success later on. I didn't start playing until high school, played at a lower D1 program for three years and then got two years of competitive ball at Oklahoma. I wasn't drafted to play in the PVF, I wasn't this big name that everyone knew of, but I went to the training camp, gave it my all and led the league in hitting percentage. Lean into your support system; for me, that's my relationship with Jesus, my husband and my close friends and family.
Do you have any long-term goals, like playing overseas, coaching or representing your country?
LM: I would love to one day make the USA Olympic team roster. I've got some exciting opportunities coming up to hopefully prepare me for that road. While I've got the time, I'm helping out with Fishers High School volleyball program to invest in the local players as well.
You just wrapped up your first season with Indy Ignite, what was that experience like for you stepping into the professional game?
Lydia Martyn: My rookie season was incredible. I knew the pro game would demand more than college and I couldn't wait to test myself at the highest level. Competing professionally in the U.S. is a blessing, and I'm proud of how much I grew in just one year, specifically with my offensive range.
What factors went in to you deciding to play professionally?
LM: Honestly, it wasn't something I thought about pursuing until I transferred from Liberty. On my visit with Aaron, we talked about the possibility of pro ball and that I could make it there if I put in the work. I didn't have enough time in college for high level reps and I felt I had more potential to reach after speaking with many coaches.
Talk about the phone call you got telling you that you'd be joining Indy Ignite.
LM: I had briefly spoken with the Ignite before draft day, but it wasn't clear if they would draft me or pick me up as a free agent. When the draft ended without my name, I wondered what was next. Just before a practice, my phone rang and the entire Oklahoma squad huddled around and we all went crazy together. In that moment I felt pure gratitude for every person who'd backed me.
What have been some of the biggest challenges you've faced playing at the pro level compared to college?
LM: The level of play is of course higher. The consistency and mental discipline required at this level are on another tier. In college, you can get away with a few off moments, but in the pros, every play counts. You're competing against some athletes with years of experience, and it pushes you to find new gears mentally and physically. On top of that, pro rosters turn over constantly, so chemistry has to form overnight. Adaptability is the difference in winning and losing.
Can you share a moment or game from this past season that really stands out as a highlight?
LM: I am simply proud of our team. Comparatively to other teams within the league, we were the youngest. We barely made it into the playoffs to play the Omaha Supernovas, who we had already lost to three times. We were the underdogs, but we fought hard and beat them to play in the finals.
How did you grow as a player during your time with Indy Ignite?
LM: Many of us on the team would struggle with our value because you could get pulled out of a game for making one mistake. I think my role to encourage my teammates and draw attention to the bigger picture improved.
How did your time at Oklahoma prepare you for this leap into professional volleyball?
LM: The coaching and the competition all shaped me into a more disciplined and resilient athlete. I learned how to compete under pressure and how to be part of a team that values growth and grit. If it weren't for Brian (Thornton) and the rest of the staff, I wouldn't have realized how complex the game could be. I had so much fun running a unique offense at Oklahoma and I honestly wish I saw more of that in my professional game.
What's a typical day like for you during the season with Indy Ignite?
LM: Breakfast, lift and a 3 to 4-hour practice block. After practice we'd either hang as a team or I'd head home to hang with my husband. It's a longer grind than college, so recovery isn't just encouraged, it's my job to make sure I'm in the best shape I can be in mentally, physically, and spiritually.
What advice would you give to young players who dream of making it to the pro level someday?
LM: I always like to encourage the younger girls that there is nothing more essential to one's game than trying something new. Yes, it's frustrating to fail in the beginning but that's necessary to feel the success later on. I didn't start playing until high school, played at a lower D1 program for three years and then got two years of competitive ball at Oklahoma. I wasn't drafted to play in the PVF, I wasn't this big name that everyone knew of, but I went to the training camp, gave it my all and led the league in hitting percentage. Lean into your support system; for me, that's my relationship with Jesus, my husband and my close friends and family.
Do you have any long-term goals, like playing overseas, coaching or representing your country?
LM: I would love to one day make the USA Olympic team roster. I've got some exciting opportunities coming up to hopefully prepare me for that road. While I've got the time, I'm helping out with Fishers High School volleyball program to invest in the local players as well.
Players Mentioned
MB
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