The Most Efficient Center in the CountryThe Most Efficient Center in the Country
Mark Selders

The Most Efficient Center in the Country

2025-26 in the Numbers

Double-Figure Scoring Outings9

Merkle has reached double figure scoring in nine-of-10 games this season.

Field Goal Percentage74.2

Merkle is shooting at a 74.2% clip from the field.

Double-Doubles3

Merkle has three double-doubles this season.

Field Goal Percentage Ranking1st

Merkle ranks 1st in the country in field goal percentage.

Field Goal Ranking5th

Merkle's 95 made field goals ranks fifth in the nation and third in the Big Ten.

Offensive Rebounds15th

Merkle sits 15th in the country in offensive rebounds per game (4.2) and first in the B1G.

2024-25 in the Numbers

FG Percentage67.0

Merkle ranked 3rd in the nation in field goal percentage and first in the Big Ten in 2024-25. She also set a new Lady Lion program record for single-season field goal percentage.

Double Figure Scoring Outings23

Merkle posted 23 double figure scoring outings in 2024-25.

Double-Doubles13

Merkle notched 13 double-doubles throughout the 2024-25 campaign.

2024-25 Rankings Among Power 4 Women's Basketball Players

Field Goal Percentage1st

Merkle was first in the country in field goal percentage (67.0) among power 4 players last season.

Double-Doubles15th

Merkle's 13 double-doubles is 15th among power 4 players in 2024-25.

Rebounds per Game20th

Merkle was 20th in rebounds per game (8.6) last season.

Blocks per Game23rd

Merkle ranked 23rd in blocks per game (1.46) among power 4 players in 2024-25.

Career Stats

Points1112

Merkle surpassed 1,000 career points with her 39-point outing against Princeton on Nov. 22.

Field Goal Percentage69.7

Merkle holds the highest career field goal percentage in program history and highest career FG% among active women's college basketball players.

Rebounds661

Merkle owns 661 career rebounds.

Rebounds per Game9.6

Merkle nearly averages a double-double in her career with scoring (16.1) and rebounding (9.6).

What They're Saying

11/22@MarchMadnessWBB
10/22@hoopheroines
7/25@DribbleDriveWBB
11/16@HoopHeroines

Highlights

Penn State vs. Bucknell 2025-26Merkle And-One
Penn State vs. CincinnatiMerkle Layup
Penn State vs. Coppin StateMerkle Layup
Penn State vs. St. Joe'sMerkle Double Figure Scoring
Penn State vs. PrincetonMerkle 1k Points
Penn State vs. Arizona StateMerkle Layup
WBB-Merkle-CenterOTY-Watchlist2 (1)
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GracieMerkleBucknell
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