Olivet College’s Merchant resigns from her director of volleyball/SWA position

OLIVET, Mich. – Olivet College director of volleyball and senior woman administrator Megan Merchant has announced her resignation, according to an announcement by Athletic Director Haley Diringer. Merchant was recently named the director of athletics and student activities at St. Johns High School.

"I cannot thank Megan enough for what she has done for not only the women's volleyball program but also the entire athletic department for the last 10 years," said Diringer. "Her passion for the athletic, academic and personal development of her volleyball players but also other student-athletes has been outstanding. I wish Megan the best of luck, as she begins the next chapter in her life."

Merchant served as the head women's volleyball coach since the 2012 season. She leaves Olivet as the winningest volleyball coach in school history, as the Comets have won 92 matches during her tenure. In 2015, Merchant led the Olivet to a 14-14 overall record, with the 14 wins being the second-most in school history for a season. In 2019, the Comets matched that win total with 14 and a 14-12 record was only the second winning season.

In addition, Merchant's teams also excelled in the classroom. Five teams have received the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) Team GPA award as well as the American Volleyball Coaches Association Team Academic Award. Individually, 52 players have combined for 96 MIAA Academic Honor Roll citations.

When Olivet added men's volleyball as a varsity sport in 2013, Merchant was promoted to director of volleyball to oversee both the men's and women's volleyball programs, while retaining head coaching duties for the women's program. In November 2015, Merchant became the senior woman administrator. In that role, she has also served as the advisor for the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and assisted in a variety of additional tasks for the athletic department.

"Coaching at Olivet has been a wonderful experience," said Merchant. "I have had the honor to work with so many wonderful young ladies in the volleyball program and accomplish many of our goals. Off the court, it has been a pleasure to teach in the classroom, work with those in the community and on campus as well as with the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. I have been given the opportunity to help aid in a smooth transition and am confident the program is in a great place moving forward. Thank you to everyone who has supported myself and the volleyball program along this journey!"

Diringer has announced a national search will take place to find the next head women's volleyball coach at Olivet.