Chapel Hill High School sophomore Kaya Merkler, in addition to being a member of the school‘s varsity team, has been playing in the USA Junior Volleyball League for two years and has committed to play at the University of North Carolina (UNC).
“Kaya being on two teams only makes us better because it helps her develop new skills from new coaches, skills that keep her learning and improving,” Chapel Hill coach Ross Fields said.
Merkler had been playing volleyball for six years when she was recruited onto the UNC team.
While volleyball is a large part of Merkler’s life, she prioritizes schoolwork and academics over the sport. “For me personally, the academic aspect is just as important as the sport aspect, and UNC fit both of my requirements,” Merkler, who plans on going into psychology, said.
In order to balance her training, Merkler has practice every day except for Saturdays, which she uses to “spend time with friends and relax.”
Junior Caitlin Grubbs, a middle forward on the school team, plays with Merkler daily.
“She is so fun to play with,” Grubbs said. “Even though she is a year younger, I still look up to her and admire her playing.”
Merkler’s USA team experience includes “Olympics Pipeline,” a program that prepares players for tryouts onto the USA international team. She hopes to play in the Olympics one day.
