Bio

Talented prep standout at Bellbrook High School ... Played in the Southwestern Buckeye League ... Daughter of Van and Tracey Merkle ... Likes reading, hiking and swimming ... Plans to major in pre-osteopathic medicine ... Coached by Lynzee Allen ... Tallied 933 career kills with a .387 hitting figure, 172 blocks and 185 aces ... Chosen to play in the State of Ohio All-Star match ... All-Ohio honoree ... Named Southwest District Player of Year ... Two-Time all-district first team choice ... Two-Time conference player of the year ... Three-time all-league honoree ... Named Thad Camp State Farm Athlete of the Week ... Two-year team captain and MVP ... Led Bellbrook to four-straight conference titles and a ranking as high as #4 in the state this past year ... Team claimed district runner-up laurels ... Played club volleyball for the Elevation Volleyball Club.

Coach Brandel-Wilhelm on Merkle: "Kira is a long fluid athlete who works very hard. She is a dedicated team player and it shows every time she steps on the court. She is a strong blocker and a fast attacker. Additionally, she is also quick to do all the little things that make a great volleyball player – cover her teammates, close a tough block, transition quickly. Kira's determination will make her an impact player early in her career at Ferris State."