BEFORE PENN STATE
2022-23 AT BELLARMINE
Played two seasons at Bellarmine University including medical redshirt year... 2023 ASUN Freshman of the Year... 2023 second team All-Conference and All-Freshman team... Nine ASUN Freshman of the Week awards which set a new conference record... Three ASUN Player of the Week selections... Led team in 2023 in seven major statistical categories; scoring (15.1), rebounding (11.0), field goal percentage (.702), blocked shots (2.3), field goals made (191), free throw attempts (140) and free throws made (87)... Set new program record for single season field goal percentage and single season rebounds (340)... Led the conference in rebounding, field goal percentage and double-doubles (19)... Eight 20-plus-point and 12-plus-rebound performances... Scored in double figures on 23 outings... Set conference season blocks record after a career high nine against Simmons... Posted perfect shooting from the field on Feb. 4, 2023 against Lipscomb (11-of-11).
HIGH SCHOOL
Played four seasons at Bullitt East High School in Kentucky... Joined the program's 1,000 point and 500 rebound clubs... Named 2022 Kentucky Miss Basketball... 2022 Gatorade Player of the Year candidate... Averaged 18.6 points and 10 rebounds in senior season... Three-time All-State honoree... Two-time 6th Region Player of the Year... Two-time Bullitt County Player of the Year... Finished high school career ranked second in Kentucky Class of 2022 by Prep Girls Hoops Kentucky.
PERSONAL
Daughter of Lorie and John Merkle… Has one older brother Hunter, a younger brother Shepherd and a younger sister Lily.
Gracie Merkle Season 2024-25
#44Lady Lions Fall in 68-65 Battle at Kansas Sunday
Penn State moves to 9-3 overall following the conclusion of non-conference play
Lady Lions Set for Nationally Televised Contest at Kansas
Penn State will take on Kansas on Sunday, Dec. 15 at 3 p.m. ET on ESPNU
Merkle’s Dominant Showing Powers PSU to 68-51 Win at Providence
Mount Washington, Kentucky, native utilizes 24 points and 18 rebounds to lift Lady Lions to victory
Lady Lions to Play Providence in Mid-Week Non-Conference Matchup
Penn State set to travel to Providence on Wednesday, Dec. 11
Lady Lions Fall to Indiana in Big Ten Opener
Lady Lions move to 8-2 overall while losing first conference match up
Lady Lions Host Indiana in Big Ten Opener
Penn State welcomes the Hoosiers on Saturday, Dec. 7
Merkle Earns Third Consecutive Big Ten Weekly Honor Roll Nod
Gracie Merkle repeats on the weekly conference honor roll for third time
Women’s Basketball Hosts St. John’s in Nationally Televised Contest
The Lady Lions welcome the Red Storm on Monday, Dec. 2
Merkle Leads Lady Lions to Gritty Overtime Win Against Drexel
Penn State moves to 8-0 for the first time since 1993-94 and break program non-conference home court win streak record
Women’s Basketball Returns to Happy Valley to Host Drexel
The Lady Lions face Drexel on Wednesday, Nov. 27 at 1 p.m.
Merkle Collects Back-to-Back Big Ten Weekly Awards
Gracie Merkle is named to the Big Ten Weekly Honor Roll
Murray’s Electric Three-Point Shooting Helps Lady Lions Dominate Georgia, 67-47
Lady Lions rise to 7-0 for the second time in the last three seasons
Lady Lions Take on Georgia in Search of Seventh Consecutive Win
Penn State women’s basketball will face Georgia on Saturday, Nov. 23
Merkle’s Double-Double Drives Penn State to 74-59 Win Over Marshall in Orlando
Lady Lions open State Farm WBCA Showcase with sixth-straight victory, rising to 6-0 for second time in last three seasons
Women’s Basketball Travels to State Farm WBCA Showcase
Lady Lions take on Marshall in first game of the tournament on Thursday, Nov. 21
Merkle Named to Big Ten Weekly Honor Roll
Lady Lions Cross Century Mark for Second-Straight Game in 100-55 Win Over Monmouth
Double-double from Merkle, double-digit scoring performances from Murray and Walker power PSU
Lady Lions Conclude Home Stretch Against Monmouth on Sunday
Women’s basketball will host Monmouth on Nov. 17 at 1 p.m.
Complete Team Effort Pushes Lady Lions to Dominant 101-45 Win Over Niagara
Blue & White improve to 4-0, place four student-athletes in double figures
Lady Lions Host Niagara on Thursday Morning
Women’s basketball will face Niagara on Thursday, Nov. 14 for ‘Field Trip Day’
Five in Double Figures Help Lady Lions Erase Early Deficit En Route to 92-83 Win Over Duquesne
Lady Lions rise to 3-0 for fifth consecutive year, Murray stars with 26-point outing
Women’s Basketball Set for Keystone Clash Against Duquesne
Lady Lions welcome the Dukes for their third game in a five-game home stint
Powerful Posts Lift Lady Lions to 89-57 Victory over Canisius
Merkle, Rust and Oden crack double figures as PSU improves to 2-0 for fifth consecutive year
Lady Lions Host Canisius on Thursday in the Bryce Jordan Center
Penn State women’s basketball set for its second contest of the season
Women’s Basketball Set for 2024-25 Season Opener Against Bucknell
The Lady Lions host the Bison in first game of the season on Monday, Nov. 4