Built for her: Competition, Confidence and Community.

PRESS KIT

A new kind of sports complex built for girls

Allison Barber and Tamika Catchings | TEDSports Indianapolis

Marvella leaders — Allison Barber, a former Pentagon strategic communicator, and WNBA Hall of Famer Tamika Catchings — reveal Marvella’s bold idea to change the odds for girls in sports. Discover how we're tackling the alarming rate at which girls quit sports through our first-of-its-kind sports and leadership complex built just for them.

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A Bold Vision for Women's Sports

Interest in women's sports is surging. MARVELLA stands out as the nation's premier youth sports complex uniquely dedicated to women athletes. Located in Indiana, the birthplace of Title IX, MARVELLA offers a comprehensive solution to the underserved market of women's sports.

Why “Marvella”?

Title IX, the landmark legislation that brought about equality for women in sports, was enacted in 1972 with the crucial support of former U.S. Senator Birch Bayh from Indiana.

Senator Bayh famously credited his inspiration to his wife, Marvella, which means "marvelous", "a miracle to marvel at", and "wonderful and extraordinary".

Although she was a skilled orator, elected governor of the American Legion Auxiliary Oklahoma Girls State program, and highly intelligent, Marvella Bayh was denied admission to the University of Virginia in 1951 solely based on her gender. Her experience cemented Senator Bayh's empathy for women's rights and served as his inspiration to champion the Title IX legislation in 1972.

We wanted to honor Marvella Bayh, as well as the intent of Title IX, with a sports campus that will be a miracle to marvel at, wonderful and extraordinary. Marvella - just marvelous!

Specially Designed For Young Women Athletes

More than just a sports complex, MARVELLA is a groundbreaking destination designed specifically for female athletes. Our unique approach combines top-tier athletic training with educational programs and a family-friendly environment.

Unparalleled Facilities and Programs

At MARVELLA, you'll find state-of-the-art indoor and outdoor courts and fields for basketball, volleyball, soccer, lacrosse, and flag football, with even more sports to be added in the future. Our year-round tournaments, camps, clinics, and workshops cater to athletes of all levels. But we go beyond sports. MARVELLA is committed to holistic development, offering educational programs in leadership, character, mental health, and wellness. We believe in educating girls for both sports…and life.

MARVELLA is set to establish an extraordinary destination campus in Indiana — a truly unique experience for athletes and their families.

Join the MARVELLA Revolution

Whether you're a seasoned athlete or just starting out, MARVELLA is the place to be.

A Complete Sports Experience

At Marvella, we believe every girl who steps onto a field, into a gym, or onto a court is already a hero. Sports aren’t about trophies or stats—they’re about confidence, resilience, and discovering your potential. Marvella celebrates girls of every skill level, helping them grow not only as athletes but as leaders. Through competition, community, and care, we inspire a generation of girls to be confident, healthy, and unstoppable — on and off the field.

TOURNAMENTS

Test your skills against top athletes in high-caliber events, pushing your athletic boundaries in a supportive environment.
SKILL DEVELOPMENT

Hone your technique with expert coaches, mastering new skills and refining existing ones to reach your full potential.
ATHLETIC TRAINING

Optimize your physical performance through personalized training programs, designed to enhance strength, endurance, and recovery.
LEADERSHIP SKILLS

Develop the confidence and skills to lead effectively, empowering yourself and inspiring others both on and off the field.
NUTRITION

Learn about the science of fueling your body for optimal performance, receiving personalized guidance to optimize your diet.
MENTAL HEALTH

Build mental resilience and emotional intelligence through workshops and support groups, fostering a healthy mindset for athletic success.

Located in IndianA Birthplace of title ix

Marvella is set to establish an extraordinary destination campus in Indiana, the birthplace of Title IX. This pioneering sports and leadership complex, designed exclusively for girls and young women, will cater to an additional 400,000 female athletes annually.

Marvella will be the place where female athletes can forge their skills and dreams in a supportive, world-class environment. Here, girls can train at the highest level, build lasting confidence, develop powerful leadership skills, and connect with a vibrant community of fellow trailblazers — all while celebrating resilience and the limitless potential of female athletes across the state.

Marvella is a Game Changer

TAMIKA CATCHINGS

"Marvella will be a space that will allow young women to come to fulfill their dreams and goals - to have a magical place to play their sport. They will come together with female athletes from all over the U.S., and eventually all over the world, to experience what we are about to have. Unbelievable!”
DIGIT MURPHY

"In the last five years, women's sports has just catapulted to another level. Title IX has done such a great thing to accentuate resources, and when women have resources they can learn and grow in the same way that men can. And when women actually use those resources, their skills are off the charts. The sky's the limit!”
JULIE RAGSDALE

“It's about life experience and life skills. It’ll be fun and interactive. Young women athletes will find they're learning life skills related to resilience and mental health, fitness, nutrition, education, leadership, and character development.”
ALLISON BARBER

“Marvella is more than just a sports complex; it’s a powerful statement about equity and opportunity. We are creating a space where female athletes can thrive and be inspired, not only through competition but also through leadership and wellness programs that empower them to achieve their fullest potential.”
SUZY KOLBER

"Promoting team sports for girls has always been my passion! Few things are as empowering for girls- while teaching leadership, accountability, and skills for success. Marvella provides the perfect place for girls to experience best in class coaching, and facilities- with an eye on mental health and wellness.”