Carroll University Women's Volleyball

Emma Mertler was named the Head Women's Volleyball Coach on February 2, 2023. The 2025 season marks Mertler's third at the helm of the Pioneers. In her two seasons as Carroll's head coach, Mertler has compiled a career record of 33-28 (.541), as she has finished with a winning percentage at or above .500 in each season. The 2024 season saw the Pioneers get off to one of the best starts to a season in program history, beginning the year with a 13-2 record, which included a nine-game winning streak, the longest such streak the program has experienced in the 21st century. Mertler has coached two players to All-Conference recognition, while seven of her Carroll student-athletes have earned Academic All-District honors. Mertler comes to Carroll after a two-year stint at Morningside University as the assistant coach of the men's volleyball program. While at Morningside, Mertler worked alongside the defensive specialists and liberos during practice, as well as administrative duties relating to travel, NAIA eligibility, scouting reports, and recruiting. Mertler's starting Libero at Morningside was named the GPAC Libero of the Year and second-team all-conference in 2022 with 2.76 digs/set in his freshman campaign.    In addition to her time at Morningside, Mertler also was the head coach and recruiting coordinator for MVP United Volleyball Club in South Dakota. Mertler worked closely with prospective student-athletes throughout the recruiting process. Duties include branding, promotion, coaching group lessons, social media, and relationship building with collegiate coaches.    Mertler graduated from Lakeland University with a bachelor's degree in Sports Management, before earning her Master of Science in Leadership and Organizational Development. She was a member of Lakeland's volleyball program for four seasons as the Libero. During her tenure with the Muskies, Mertler recorded 1,436 digs across 442 sets played, in addition to 137 service aces. She ranks fifth in program history in digs and eighth in service aces.   Emma Mertler Career Coaching Record Year Overall CCIW CCIW Finish 2023 14-14 .500 1-7 .125 8th 2024 19-14 .576 1-7 .125 9th TOTAL (2 years) 33-28 .541 2-14 .125

Abby Becker is in her second season as an assistant coach for Carroll's volleyball program. A 2019 graduate of Lewis University, Becker earned a bachelors degree in Sociology and Environmental Science. While at Lewis, Becker was a setter for the Flyers' volleyball program from 2014-18, where she was recognized as a three-time Division-II All-American and team captain. She finished her outstanding career with a school record 4,774 assists. Becker went on to earn her Master's Degree in International Relations from Durham University in Durham, while playing for the collegiate and professional team, winning the BUCS championship, the England Cup, and League. The following season, Becker played another professional year in Austria for UVC Graz where her team came in second in the European Cup and second in the Austrian Bundesliga. Becker has coached at every level from youth to professional and is excited to help put the Pioneers in a position to be successful.  

Elise Schneider is in her second season as an assistant coach for Carroll's volleyball program, following a four-year playing career at Division-I Wofford College in South Carolina. Schneider completed her undergraduate studies at Wofford with a bachelors degree in Biology and Finance. Currently enrolled in Carroll's grad program, Schneider plans to pursue a career in health care administration after completing her Master's Degree. Originally from the area, Schneider is excited to return home and further her passion for the game, while helping the Pioneers' volleyball program be successful.