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| Class:
Senior
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| Hometown:
Wayland, Mich.
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| High School:
Wayland Union
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| Bats/Throws:
Right/Right
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| Height:
5-8
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| Position:
First Base
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College: 2004: A bonafide post-season honors candidate . . . Returning starter at first base . . . A gifted student-athlete . . . Shows a great understanding of the game . . . Has all the all-around tools to have an outstanding year . . . Exceptional leader both on and off the field . . . Ranks 13th among Bulldogs' career leaders in base hits (122), second in home runs (11), ninth in doubles (24) and 14th in RBIs.
2003: An All-GLIAC Second-Team honoree . . . Both a two-time (2002-03) GLIAC All-Academic and National Fastpitch Coaches Association Scholar-Athlete honoree . . . Team leader in base hits (42), home runs (nine), doubles (nine), RBIs (26), runs scored (32), and stolen bases (six) . . . Attained GLIAC Academic Honor Roll laurels . . . Batted a career-high .286 as a starter in all 48 contests . . . Started all but one game at first base . . . Recorded a team-high tying 10 multiple hit games, including a pair of three-hit efforts -- vs. Wisconsin-Parkside (4/12) at Great Lakes Region Showdown and against Lake Superior State (4/22) in doubleheader's second game . . . Also shared top club honors in multi RBI contests with six total . . . Drove in three runs on four occasions -- vs. St. Joseph's, Ind. (4/12) and vs. Wisconsin-Parkside (4/12) both at Great Lakes Region Showdown, at Hillsdale (4/18) and at Gannon (4/25) . . . Compiled an eight-game (3/15-4/12) hitting string to tie for squad's second-longest streak . . . Season nine home run total ranks tied for second place on Ferris' single-season list and was fourth highest among conference leaders . . . Her .531 slugging percentage ranked second on the squad and sixth in the GLIAC . . . Went 3-for-3, which included two homers, with three RBIs and two runs scored vs. Wisconsin-Parkside (4/12) . . . Had an inside-the-park roundtripper vs. Saginaw Valley State (4/11) in twinbill opener . . . Hit .571 (8-for-14) with three multi-hit contests during four-game span.
2002: Started 41 games . . . Led the team with 37 hits and placed second in RBI (16) . . . Posted 10 multiple-hit game performances, including a career-high four vs. Lake Superior State (4/10) . . . Ranked third among FSU's leaders in batting average (.272).
2001: Started in all 45 games played, including 29 at shortstop . . . Paced team in total base hits (43) and runs scored (21) . . . Finished third among squad's batting average leaders (.272) and tied for third in RBI's (16) . . . Belted eight doubles . . . Compiled eight multi-hit games, including a trio of three-hit contests . . . Had three hits, including a solo home run, and scored three runs vs. St. Joseph's (4/21) . . . Posted a team-best seven-game hit streak (4/6-13).
High School: A 2000 graduate of Wayland High School . . . Coached by Cheri Ritz . . . Four-time all-conference performer . . . Achieved all-state, all-region and state all-academic accolades as a senior in helping team to a 39-2 mark . . . Batted .400 or better all four years and helped guide the Wildcats to a 141-12 combined record during career . . . Two-time all-state honorable mention honoree in basketball and three-time all-conference selection in volleyball . . . Two-time winner of school's best female athlete and selected Senior Athlete of the Year.
Personal: Born 9/19/81 in Grand Rapids, Mich. . . . Daughter of Bill and Deb Merchant . . . Her mother attended FSU and competed in tennis . . . Younger sister Jessica is Michigan's starting shortstop . . . Aunt Cheri Ritz played softball at Michigan State . . . Aunt Jennifer Ritz played basketball at Central Michigan . . . Aunt Missy Ritz played basketball at Grand Valley State . . . Nickname is "Nickanator" . . . Accountancy major.
The Merchant Profile:
Why I chose Ferris State: the softball tradition and the coaching staff
My advice to youngsters is: never stop dreaming
I can't live without: ice cream and shopping at the mall
My pregame ritual is: braid hair and wear a ribbon
The motto I live by is: live in the moment
Something unusual about me is that: my three aunts and sister play or played college athletics
If I could change one thing about softball, I would: never play a game in the snow
When I step on the field I think: how lucky I am to be there
The thing I like most about Ferris State Softball is: my teammates, the coaches and playing the game I love
What has been the most thrilling moment in your life outside of sports?: Riding the Old Town Sky Coaster in Orlando, Florida
My best non-athletic talent is: my friendship
My role model is: my mom because of all the things she has done for my sisters and I. She always puts us first
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