INDIANAPOLIS (Jan. 9, 2026) – Pacers Sports & Entertainment, the Indiana Fever and the Marion County Commission on Youth are teaming up to launch “Fever Confidence,” a brand-new leadership program designed to empower girls in the greater Indianapolis area, beginning Saturday at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

Twenty high school seniors are part of the inaugural class, each paired with mentors from PS&E, the Indiana Fever and leaders from corporate and community organizations. Through these connections, students will build skills, develop confidence and explore their leadership potential.

“It’s a privilege to leverage our brand power in a way that will have a lasting impact on the lives of these incredible high school seniors, and ultimately, our community,” said Indiana Fever General Manager Amber Cox. “We’re excited to launch this program in Indianapolis and help mentor and support the next generation of leaders.”

The cohort will meet monthly and participate in a variety of confidence-building and community-focused activities. Sessions will also include a behind-the-scenes tour of Gainbridge Fieldhouse and the Indiana Fever’s facilities, the opportunity to watch a Fever practice, and time to meet players and coaches.

“We’re excited to tip off with the cohort for the Fever Confidence program and look forward to watching these young women learn and grow in profound ways as they take on new challenges and meet important women in our community,” said MCCOY President Liz Coit. “Being a part of these young women’s journeys through building confidence, developing resilience, and strengthening wellness is such a joy, and we’re thrilled to help guide them in this chapter of their lives.”

The 2025-26 Fever Confidence cohort includes the following high school seniors:

Chris Marcelin, Arsenal Technical High School
Jesuly Melo-Hernandez, Ben Davis University High School
Robyn Pate, Brebeuf High School
Peyton Turner, Brownsburg High School
Ashley Escamilla, Cardinal Ritter High School
CaMya Webster, Carmel High School
ARynn Halliburton, Cathedral High School
Lillian Reaves, Christel House Watanabe High School
Izzy Kornmeyer, Covenant Christian High School
Jaszellyn Henderson, Crispus Attucks High School
Calajah Miller, Fishers High School
Katherine Toc Herrera, Herron High School
JaNiyah Coleman, Lawrence Central High School
Aspen Stadtfeld, Noblesville High School
Jaime Rice, North Central High School
Breanna Turner, North Central High School
Jenna Nguyen, Mt. Vernon High School
Rylee-Gabriel Moore, Pike High School
Kate Myers, Southmont High School
Kira Motley, Warren Central High School

While applications to join the 2025-26 cohort are now closed, interested students can find more information about the Fever Confidence program at MCCOYouth.org/Fever-Confidence.

The Fever Confidence program builds on the momentum of the successful WNBA All-Star 2025 Student Ambassador Program, where 25 junior and senior girls from across Greater Indianapolis spent months exploring careers, participating in workshops and diving into unique experiences, from spending time with the Indianapolis Colts’ Kicking the Stigma initiative to visiting the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

New ‘Fever Confidence’ leadership program for local high school seniors tips off Saturday