The VTSU Johnson Women's Soccer team announces the addition of Marianna Merritt to the to the 2024-25 season roster. The all-around threat from Fletcher, VT was a driving force for the BFA Fairfax program, which saw a tournament run conclude their 2024 campaign at the championship game. The 2nd Team All-Mountain honoree was the well-deserved recipient of BFA's 2024 Coaches Award, recognizing a season in which Merritt was also named Player of the Week. Merritt plans to balance her athletic pursuits with a Health Science and Nursing major at Johnson.
Says Coach Norm Peterson, "Marianna is an excellent athlete and competitor – Someone we are very excited to add to the program. Like most of the other members of this recruiting class, Marianna is an excellent soccer player, but also excels in other athletic endeavors. Mar is a top downhill skill racer – a physically and mentally demanding sport. Played the middle of the field for the Fairfax team that was the number one seed and went to the state championship game. Her athleticism and competitiveness are what we are looking for in all our student athletes. I have zero doubt that she will come in be a great teammate and also help us keep the standard of work high in all our training sessions. She will be able to contribute to our success immediately. So excited to have her on board for this fall!"
Welcome to Johnson, Marianna! Go Badgers!
Name: Marianna Merrit
Preferred name/nickname: Mar
Position(s): Defensive Mid, Mid Wing, Utility Player, Defense
Hometown: Fletcher, VT
High School: BFA Fairfax
Awards/Honors: 2023 Honorable Mention All Mountain Team, 2024 Player of the Week (St. Albans Messenger), 2024 2nd Team All-Mountain Team, 2024 Coaches Award
Projected major at VTSU Johnson: Health Science, Nursing
What are you looking forward to most about VTSU Johnson: Meeting new people and being close to home so my fans can still come watch me play
Most memorable athletic moment: My most memorable moment was my assist to my teammate in our championship game this year. I beat three defenders down the sideline to get a pass to my midfielder down the middle of the field. I passed to her and she got our only goal of the game.
Favorite musical artist(s): Jason Aldean
Favorite Food: Steak
Favorite Ben and Jerry's flavor: Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough
Favorite Holiday: St. Patrick's Day