Gracie Merkle Season 2024-25

BEFORE PENN STATE
2022-23 AT BELLARMINE
Played two seasons at Bellarmine University including medical redshirt year... 2023 ASUN Freshman of the Year... 2023 second team All-Conference and All-Freshman team... Nine ASUN Freshman of the Week awards which set a new conference record... Three ASUN Player of the Week selections... Led team in 2023 in seven major statistical categories; scoring (15.1), rebounding (11.0), field goal percentage (.702), blocked shots (2.3), field goals made (191), free throw attempts (140) and free throws made (87)... Set new program record for single season field goal percentage and single season rebounds (340)... Led the conference in rebounding, field goal percentage and double-doubles (19)... Eight 20-plus-point and 12-plus-rebound performances... Scored in double figures on 23 outings... Set conference season blocks record after a career high nine against Simmons... Posted perfect shooting from the field on Feb. 4, 2023 against Lipscomb (11-of-11).

HIGH SCHOOL
Played four seasons at Bullitt East High School in Kentucky... Joined the program's 1,000 point and 500 rebound clubs... Named 2022 Kentucky Miss Basketball... 2022 Gatorade Player of the Year candidate... Averaged 18.6 points and 10 rebounds in senior season... Three-time All-State honoree... Two-time 6th Region Player of the Year... Two-time Bullitt County Player of the Year... Finished high school career ranked second in Kentucky Class of 2022 by Prep Girls Hoops Kentucky. 

PERSONAL 
Daughter of Lorie and John Merkle… Has one older brother Hunter, a younger brother Shepherd and a younger sister Lily.