Kaya Merkler: Thriving In Front Of Hometown Roots

Posted Oct 18, 2021
Growing up in Chapel Hill, Kaya Merkler thought one day she would play for North Carolina. Not in Carmichael Arena, though, but at Dorrance Field for the UNC soccer team. "I never wanted to play volleyball at the start," she said. The 6-foot-3 middle hitter grew up in an athletic family. Her parents, Kristopher and Elif, met as student-athletes at Yale. (GoHeels.com)

Related: Volleyball

Newsletter: UNC Basketball Recruiting Updates, NBA Summer League, ACC Kickoff, MLB Draft
Caleb Wilson set a Summer League scoring record, Bill Belichick left ACC Kickoff sounding like a coach who's found his footing, and six Tar Heels...
Mon Jul 20, 2026

UNC Volleyball Releases 2026 Schedule
Entering year four under the direction of coach Mike Schall, UNC Volleyball has announced their 2026 schedule. The Tar Heels, fresh off back-to-back NCAA Tournament...
Wed Jul 15, 2026

Check out the Full Schedule for UNC’s ACC Network Takeover
The ACC Network will air a full day of UNC games from the 2025-26 academic year Wednesday, July 1. It’s part of a series of...
Tue Jun 30, 2026

Seth Trimble’s shot to beat Duke, walk-off Supers win highlight UNC takeover day on ACCN
A full day of memorable North Carolina victories, from postseason thrills and rivalry showdowns to a memorable Seth Trimble shot, will take over ACC Network...
Sat Jun 27, 2026