Nicki Merchant Freshman Infield Bats: Right Throws: Right Wayland, Michigan (Wayland Union)

College: 2001: Athletic . . . Has the natural ability to play anywhere on the field . . . Slated for duty at shortstop, but could also receive playing time in the outfield . . . Swings a great bat . . . Should provide offense on a consistent basis.

High School: A 2000 graduate of Wayland Union High School . . . Coached by Cheri Ritz . . . Four-time all-conference performer . . . Achieved all-state, all-region and state all-academic accolades as a senior en route to helping team post a 39-2 mark . . . Batted .400 or better in each of her four campaigns and helped guide the Wildcats to a combined 141-12 record during her career . . . WUHS was four-time conference and district champions . . . Two-time all-state honorable mention honoree in basketball and three-time all-conference selection in volleyball . . . Two-time recipient of Multer Award as school's best female athlete and selected as the Senior Athlete of the Year

Personal: Born 9/19/81 in Grand Rapids, Mich. . . . Daughter of Bill and Deb Merchant of Wayland, Mich. . . . Father is a factory worker and mother is employed as a teacher's aide . . . Her mother attended FSU and competed in tennis . . . Enjoys athletics . . . Accountancy major.