With five seniors last year and just one this year, Alyson
Merchant, a middle hitter for the Saint Louis University volleyball
team, has taken on a huge role as a leader, team member and athlete
for the Billikens, and not only has she welcomed it, but she has
excelled at it.

"It is hard because there has always been a strong team for me
to follow and I have gone from the one who goes in at certain times
to the one who is expected to lead," Merchant said.

Merchant has played all over the court in her four years at SLU
including left, right and now middle blocker, especially this year
as the team rebuilds with four new freshmen.

"Her role has stepped up a huge amount this year as a
versatile player," said coach Marilyn Nolen, who knows the
importance of Merchant to this year’s team.

Merchant came to SLU from Hacienda Heights, Calif. where she led
her team to All-Conference titles three years in a row.

"I really thought that SLU would be a good balance between my
academics and my athletics and SLU has a great coaching
staff," said Merchant.

Her freshman year there were many seniors on the team, which left
Merchant with little playing time, but as the season progressed,
Merchant became an active member of the team. As she continued her
play at SLU, not only her athleticism but her role as a team player
became vital.

"Her own play has gotten really consistent and dynamic,"
Nolen said.

As the Billikens worked through a long stretch of away games this
past week, Merchant recorded six kills against Austin Peay, eight
kills and two blocks against Western Kentucky and nine kills
against Indiana.

"We have been playing consistent and I feel like our team is
starting to mold together," said Merchant. "I think that
we could be extremely successful this year because when we come
together we can be really good."

On many varsity teams, seniors tend to dominate the team, but that
is not the case with Merchant.

"She is always positive, outgoing, and she can keep things in
perspective," said Nolen. "One might see the lack of
seniors on this years team as a weakness, but Alyson is taking
charge of senior leadership."

As a four-year veteran, Merchant knows what it is like to be at
every age on a varsity team.

"I think that a lot of my role on the team is leading, but I
feel like I really connect with the younger girls because I know
where they are coming from," Merchant said.

According to Nolen, Merchant is the embodiment of a well-rounded
team player.

"She is a people person, a caring person and a team player.
She steps in and helps out when you need her," Nolen said.

Last season, Merchant was a solid contributor off the bench,
converting several crucial kill chances after coming off of the
bench late in more than a few matches.

She played in every match last season and was a big reason why the
Bills were able to come alive in the stretch run of the season as
their Conference USA season heated up, which allowed them to finish
fourth in C-USA last season. Merchant will be graduating this year
with her B.A. in criminal justice.