Cresse Drafted in 2025 MLV Draft -- NCAA Women's Soccer Tournament -- TUESDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

Cresse Drafted by Indy Ignite in First Round

Cara Cresse was drafted by the Indy Ignite with the fifth overall pick in the 2025 Major League Volleyball (MLV) Draft. Cresse joins former Cards Anna DeBeer and Elena Scott on the Ignite..

Cresse, a multi-time All-American middle blocker is on pace for another year of All-ACC and All-American honors. She ranks second in the country in blocks per set and ranks in the top 15 nationally in hitting percentage. She ranks fourth on the team in kills and has seen action in every match this year.

Only one Louisville player was taken in the 32-person draft, but the ACC was heavily represented with 25% of the picks hailing from the conference. Pitt and SMU each had two players drafted. Florida State, Miami, and Stanford each had one player drafted. 

Last season, Cardinal Couple was denied credentials multiple times by the Indy Ignite. We hope to have better success in the 2026 season... especially with three former Cards on their roster.

NCAA Women's Soccer Elite Eight

While Louisville women's soccer season has come to an end, the ACC still has strong representation. Nine ACC teams made the tournament and all nine advanced to the second round. 1-seeds Notre Dame and Virginia both suffered heartbreakers, allowing a last second goal and falling in a shootout, respectively. 1-seed Stanford, 2-seed Duke, and 3-seed Florida State remain.

The ACC continues to have strong representation in the NCAA women's soccer tournament, proving once again why they have a strong case as the best women's soccer conference. The ACC could also make that argument with the men's soccer tournament (nine teams in the 48-team field) and field hockey (five teams in the 18-team field).

Happy Tuesday and Go Cards!

Jared