INDIANAPOLIS (Oct. 27, 2026) – Twenty central Indiana high school seniors have been selected for the 2026-27 Fever Confidence program, a leadership development initiative from the Indiana Fever, Pacers Sports & Entertainment and the Marion County Commission on Youth that helps young women build confidence, develop leadership skills and explore future opportunities.

Presented by Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, the eight-month program connects students with mentors from the Fever, PS&E and the local business and community sectors. Participants will take part in hands-on learning experiences, explore educational and career opportunities, and receive a $2,000 scholarship upon completion.

“Every young woman deserves the chance to see what she’s capable of and feel confident pursuing it,” said Julie Roe Lach, PS&E executive vice president of external relations & community engagement. “That’s what makes Fever Confidence so meaningful to us. We get to connect these students with people who can encourage them, share their experiences and help them see new possibilities for their futures.”

The new cohort tipped off Saturday at Gainbridge Fieldhouse with a behind-the-scenes tour, including a visit to the Indiana Fever locker room, and activities focused on teamwork, communication and building connections. Throughout the program, participants will attend monthly sessions on leadership, wellness, community engagement and personal growth, along with special events and opportunities to connect with leaders from across central Indiana.

“We are beyond excited to welcome this year’s cohort of Fever Confidence participants and witness the incredible personal growth that unfolds over these eight months,” said Lindsey DeLorey, program director of youth engagement for MCCOY. “Watching each girl build self-confidence and realize her full potential is the most rewarding part of this work.”

The 2026-27 Fever Confidence cohort includes:

Karrington Williams, Cathedral High School
Maleah Jackson, Christel House Academy
Maya Thomas, Covenant Christian High School

Sophia Esquivel, Decatur Central High School
Lizbeth Perez, Emmerich Manual High School
Emily Williams, Franklin Central High School
Anne Chrisman, Greenwood Community High School
Gabrielle Kelley, Hamilton Southeastern High School
Victoria Bolden, KIPP Indy Legacy High School
Kylie Hensley, Lebanon High School
Victoria Mickens, Lawrence Central High School
Sa’Raya Overton, North Central High School
Van Sung, Perry Meridian High School
Elizabeth Chaffee, Purdue Polytechnic Englewood High School
Brielle Garner, Sheridan High School
Lucille Haacker, Shelbyville High School
Ava Deng, University High School of Indiana
Olatunde Babatunde, Warren Central High School
Dare’on Garner, Warren Central High School
Kayla Bermejillo, Wisdom Builders Academy

Fever Confidence builds on the momentum created through previous youth leadership initiatives led by Pacers Sports & Entertainment, the Indiana Fever and MCCOY. To be eligible, applicants were required to be current high school seniors who live in Marion County or one of the surrounding counties and have a cumulative GPA of 2.7 or higher.

Interested students and families can learn more about Fever Confidence and future application opportunities by visiting FeverBasketball.com/FeverConfidence.

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