Marvella Sports Celebrates National Women in Sports
INDIANAPOLIS, IN, —Today, February 14, Marvella Sports commemorates the birthday of our namesake, Marvella Bayh, who was a pivotal inspiration behind Title IX, the landmark 1972 legislation that brought about equality for women in sports. Title IX, championed by former U.S. Senator Birch Bayh from Indiana, was deeply influenced by Marvella's own experiences of gender discrimination. In 1951, she was denied admission to the University of Virginia solely based on her gender, despite being a skilled orator and highly intelligent leader.
Just as her name means "marvelous" and "a miracle to marvel at", the Marvella sports campus seeks to be a wonderful and extraordinary tribute to her legacy—creating the opportunities for women's athletic advancement that she was once denied.
“It makes me so happy to see my mother, Marvella, being recognized for the important role she played alongside my father in helping to create Title IX,” said former Indiana Governor and Senator Evan Bayh. “After all these years, the founding of Marvella, The Girls Sports Leadership Experience campus, based here in our state, brings it full circle.”
Building on the recent partnership with Sports Tech HQ (STHQ) announced during National Girls & Women in Sports Day on February 5, Marvella is amplifying its commitment to empowering women in athletics through a series of strategic events and collaborations.
Key February Highlights
February 5: Horizon League Open House celebrating National Girls & Women in Sports Day
February 6: Indy Ignite Women & Girls in Sports Night featuring a panel discussion with Marvella Foundation Chairman Allison Barber
February 11: The Marvella Foundation was honored during half-time of the Indiana Pacers game as recipient of a WNBA All-Star Legacy grant to support a championship court in the indoor facility.
Upcoming: NFL Combine and KeyBank International Women's Day event with the Horizon League
"At Marvella, we are not just building a sports facility; we are creating a transformative space that honors Marvella Bayh's legacy by providing unprecedented opportunities for young female athletes,” said Glenn Tilley CEO and Founder of Marvella. "Our vision is to develop not just athletic skills, but leadership, resilience, and character that will empower women to excel in sports and beyond.”
"Marvella is dedicated to creating transformative experiences that go beyond athletic training,” says Allison Barber, PhD, Executive Leader and Chair of the Marvella Foundation. "By partnering with organizations like Sports Tech HQ and participating in events that celebrate women's athletic achievements at all levels from youth to professional sports, we're building a comprehensive ecosystem that supports female athletes’ holistic development.”
Marvella continues to develop its innovative 300,000 sq. ft. facility, which will feature 16 courts and fields supporting multiple sports, with a focus on basketball, volleyball, flag football, lacrosse, and soccer. The facility aims to provide not just athletic training, but comprehensive development in leadership, mental health, fitness, and nutrition. Construction is set to begin in the Spring of 2025 with completion set for the Summer of 2026.
ABOUT MARVELLA
Founded by Glenn Tilley, Marvella is the country’s first-ever sports and leadership complex designed and dedicated primarily to the needs of young female athletes. With a best-in-quality commitment, Marvella provides teams, individual athletes, and families with a unique sports-based experience that combines safe athletic, educational, and entertainment programming. By molding values, character, and resilience, Marvella stands at the forefront of empowering women to excel on and off the field. For details on Marvella’s mission, leadership, and programming, visit www.marvellasports.com.
