The 2024 PVF Draft was a highlight of Louisville Volleyball’s NCAA season. Among the many faces who made it to the pro league, Ann DeBeer and Elena Scott were two of their biggest stars. So as January 11 neared, the Cardinals’ excitement to watch their stars make their pro debut grew. “Wishing the best of our luck to our Pro Cards,” the Cardinals posted on social media. However, little did they know that one of their players would suffer an unfortunate setback.

“Indy Ignite’s Anna DeBeer will miss the home opener on January 11 due to injury,” the official handle posted on the day of DeBeer’s debut. However, despite the unfortunate update, the Cardinals still showed up to support their former members at Fishers Event Center. “Had a blast cheering on two of our newest Pro Cards in their season debut,” the Cardinals wrote in their post.

And why wouldn’t they? After all, Ana DeBeer and Elena Scott are more than just players who were part of the Louisville Cardinals. The pair have become part of Louisville volleyball’s history. Born and raised in Louisville, the pair have become inspirational figures for the coming generations. Youth volleyball coach Terri Purichia, who once mentored the pair, spoke about their significance.

“Kids can have a dream, and they can see the blueprint of how you achieve that dream by seeing some of these local kids go up through the ranks. So, you know, they’re just an inspiration,” Purichia said in an interview with WLKY. So it’s no surprise that members of the Louisville Cardinals would show up to support the hometown heroes, even if one didn’t make her pro debut.

While Anna DeBeer’s undisclosed injury kept her off the volleyball court, Elena Scott made her PFV debut. The Libero walked onto the court as a substitute and exited before the match ended. Although Scott didn’t make any major contributions, she played 7 serves and contributed with 3 assists and 2 digs. And although the former Louisville volleyball star couldn’t make her debut, at least the outside hitter earned a consolation.

Some positivity came the Louisville volleyball icon’s way amidst uncertainty

Despite Indy Ignite and Anna DeBeer’s last-minute setback, the pro volleyball team started their season off on the right foot. “First home match. Might as well get the first WIN too!” posted the team after handing the Orlando Valkyries a 3-1 defeat. Although the first set didn’t go the Indiana team’s way, they won the following three sets (13-25, 25-19, 25-17, 25-21).

The positive outcome may have been a consolation for the Louisville volleyball icon. After all, DeBeer broke down in tears when the Cardinals lost the 2024 NCAA Championship final while the injured player watched from the sidelines. “It’s very unfortunate, just the situation with my injury, and it just seemed like all the stars were aligning for such a perfect game in Louisville, finishing my career,” said DeBeer.

“We worked so freaking hard all year to get where we are, and it was just so close. So, I think that’s what’s really hard,” the outside hitter explained in a post-final interview with WDRB news. And that brings us to the rookie pro’s recent condition. Indy Ignite didn’t mention where the volleyball star suffered the injury or how long it would take DeBeer to return to the court.

“Wishing Anna a speedy recovery as she works hard to get back on the court!” the official Indy Ignite handle added to their announcement. The only clue to the nature of the injury was who they tagged in the post. The PVF team tagged Team Rehabilitation, a physical therapy clinic, which could indicate that DeBeer suffered a muscle or mobility issue and may not take too long to heal. However, whatever the nature of the injury, it’s safe to say that Louisville Volleyball would love to see their star back on the court.