Main Story

IU Indy senior setter Grace Purichia has grown from a “baby in the ball cart” into one of the Horizon League’s top playmakers. Her steady improvement has helped fuel the Jaguars’ winning turnaround, and she credits her teammates and their shared leadership for the team’s progress. Now, IU Indy is aiming to win the Horizon League championship.

By the Numbers
  • Purichia recorded 1,346 assists in 2025, averaging 11.03 per game.
  • She ranked sixth nationally in Division I in assists per game and fourth in total assists last season.
  • This season, Purichia is averaging 10.34 assists per set, third in the conference.
  • Freshman Bailey Sinish leads IU Indy with 363 kills; sophomore Jillian Tippmann averages 4.11 points per set.
Yes, But

Purichia believes the Jaguars have the talent to win the conference tournament, but she recognizes that strong competition makes no outcome certain.

State of Play
  • IU Indy posted its first winning conference and overall records since 2017 last season.
  • The Jaguars won their opening tournament match last year but fell in the second round.
  • Emerging younger players and complementary leadership are strengthening the team around Purichia.
What's Next

The Jaguars will pursue the Horizon League championship, with Purichia pointing to sustained effort and team chemistry as key to making that goal attainable.

Bottom Line

Purichia’s impact is bigger than her assist totals: her experience has helped build a winning culture, while a younger, deeper roster gives IU Indy a chance to take its next step.