Emma Mertler was named the Head Women's Volleyball Coach on February 2, 2023. The 2025 season marks Mertler's third at the helm of the Pioneers.
In her two seasons as Carroll's head coach, Mertler has compiled a career record of 33-28 (.541), as she has finished with a winning percentage at or above .500 in each season. The 2024 season saw the Pioneers get off to one of the best starts to a season in program history, beginning the year with a 13-2 record, which included a nine-game winning streak, the longest such streak the program has experienced in the 21st century. Mertler has coached two players to All-Conference recognition, while seven of her Carroll student-athletes have earned Academic All-District honors.
Mertler comes to Carroll after a two-year stint at Morningside University as the assistant coach of the men's volleyball program. While at Morningside, Mertler worked alongside the defensive specialists and liberos during practice, as well as administrative duties relating to travel, NAIA eligibility, scouting reports, and recruiting. Mertler's starting Libero at Morningside was named the GPAC Libero of the Year and second-team all-conference in 2022 with 2.76 digs/set in his freshman campaign.
In addition to her time at Morningside, Mertler also was the head coach and recruiting coordinator for MVP United Volleyball Club in South Dakota. Mertler worked closely with prospective student-athletes throughout the recruiting process. Duties include branding, promotion, coaching group lessons, social media, and relationship building with collegiate coaches.
Mertler graduated from Lakeland University with a bachelor's degree in Sports Management, before earning her Master of Science in Leadership and Organizational Development. She was a member of Lakeland's volleyball program for four seasons as the Libero. During her tenure with the Muskies, Mertler recorded 1,436 digs across 442 sets played, in addition to 137 service aces. She ranks fifth in program history in digs and eighth in service aces.
Emma Mertler Career Coaching Record
|
| Year |
Overall |
CCIW |
CCIW Finish |
| 2023 |
14-14 |
.500 |
1-7 |
.125 |
8th |
| 2024 |
19-14 |
.576 |
1-7 |
.125 |
9th |
| TOTAL (2 years) |
33-28 |
.541 |
2-14 |
.125 |
|
