Ignite Players Have Fun, Make Memories at Charity Softball Game

Ignite Players Have Fun, Make Memories at Charity Softball Game

Halter, DeBeer, Martyn Join Stars of Other Indy Sports Teams to Raise Funds for Pacer Foundation

By Mark Robinson

 

FISHERS, Ind. (August 28, 2026) – The stars of the Indianapolis sports and entertainment worlds showed out in full force this week for the Pacers Foundation Charity Softball Classic, including members of the Indy Ignite. Three Ignite players – libero Emma Halter, outside hitter Anna DeBeer and middle blocker Lydia Martyn – represented their team in fine fashion during the game at a sold-out Victory Field, home to the Indianapolis Indians minor-league baseball team.

Halter, DeBeer and Martyn joined players from the Indiana Pacers, Indianapolis Colts and Indiana Fever on the two teams’ rosters, along with other celebrities including Olympic gold-medal gymnast Simone Biles Owens (wife of Colts player Jonathan Owens), World Cup-winning goalkeeper Brianna Scurry and Indy native and comedian Michael Epps. ESPN star and retired Colts punter Pat McAfee emceed the fun-filled evening.

Halter played for the team captained by Pacers star guard Tyrese Haliburton. DeBeer and Martyn were members of the team led by Colts quarterback Daniel Jones. Haliburton’s team won the game in a 28-8 rout and although, at 5-foot-5, most of the other players were significantly taller than Halter, she played a large role in the victory. Halter reached base all three times she batted, scored three runs and cemented the triumph by catching the final out on a flyball in centerfield.

On his ESPN show the day following the game, McAfee raved about Halter.

“(She’s an) incredible athlete,” McAfee said to his national audience. “She played softball until eighth grade. She was everywhere. She was unbelievable!”

Humbled by the attention, Halter just appreciated being able to join in the fun for such a great cause.

“It was an incredible experience to be able to play,” she said. “I am so grateful for opportunities to help give back to the community and support such an important cause. Being surrounded by so many incredible current and former athletes was an honor, and I was very grateful to meet and interact with them.”

DeBeer finished her second season with the Ignite in May following an All-American career at the University of Louisville, but she was a newcomer to softball before Monday’s game. She loved every minute of it.

That support included a vocal contingent of Ignite fans and staff in the Victory Field stands.

“The support from the Ignite staff and fans was incredible!” DeBeer exclaimed. “Every time I looked up, they were there cheering so loud and supporting us. It meant a lot to us to have them show up and be there for us. It made the whole experience even more special.”

An Indianapolis native who starred at Roncalli High School before playing at the University of Texas, where she was a two-time NCAA champion, Halter completed her rookie season with the Ignite in May. She never dreamed that volleyball path would lead to the chance to join superstars of other sports on the softball diamond.

“Growing up, I would’ve never thought this would have been an experience I would have gotten, but I am so glad I did!” Halter admitted. “I’ve always been ambitious and love being in new environments. It was so fun to play some softball. I hadn’t played in years, but I love watching both softball and baseball, so it was cool to get to play myself. I had a blast!”

The most nerve-racking part, Halter said, was focusing on catching that final out.

“Getting the last out was so funny to me. I was very nervous I was going to drop the ball but thank goodness I didn’t! Overall, it was a great experience and an incredible opportunity to help and support the community.”

DeBeer knows well how Halter excels on the volleyball court, but her appreciation for her teammate’s athleticism increased following Halter’s softball performance.

“Emma literally killed it!” DeBeer said. “Before the game, she was talking about how it had been so long since she had played, and then she goes out there hitting absolute bombs and making a great catch for the last out of the game. I’m glad she could represent the Ignite so well, especially since I had never played softball before in my life.”