Marcella Mercer has been one of the most dominant high school golfers in western Montana for the past four years.
Mercer finished ninth at the state golf tournament her freshman year, fifth her sophomore year, second her junior year and third her senior year.
In her senior year, Mercer went undefeated in regular-season golf tournaments.
While Mercer had a number of options on the table for golf, her education was the main priority. At the end of her college search, she chose to go with NCAA Division III Washington and Lee University in southern Virginia.
The Generals compete in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference, and the women’s golf team has won the conference championship the past two seasons. Washington and Lee University also ranked No. 9 in U.S. News and World Report’s ratings of National Liberal Arts Colleges.
"I even had some conversations with some DI and DII coaches," said Mercer. "And even though those programs are great, it wasn't necessarily what I was looking for. One of the things I love about DIII athletics is no one is being paid to be there. Everyone who is on the team wants to go to that school."
Mercer is excited to start her new journey on the East Coast in a few months. While she's headed toward a prestigious academic program and a collegiate golf career, Mercer still takes the time to think about her roots here in Montana.
"The support and the guidance that I received from my coaches and my other teammates are just immeasurable and something that I think is an integral part in who I am," said Mercer. "I'm so thankful for that opportunity and being able to take it to the college level is just even better and I’m super thrilled with the decision I made and I can’t wait to get on campus in August or September."
