University of Minnesota Athletics
Merchant Family Set for Softball Reunion
4/8/2015 12:00:00 AM | Softball
Story by Rachel Timmerman
Although the Merchant sisters hail from Michigan, there will always be a place in their hearts for the Gophers.
Jessica, Brittini and Macy Merchant are sisters from Wayland, Mich., and all three have helped coach the softball team at the University of Minnesota.
Jessica played college softball at Michigan as an All-American shortstop and was the first of the three to venture to Minnesota in 2011 as an assistant coach.
Brittini played softball at Central Michigan, and came to the U in 2012 as a volunteer assistant.
"Jessie really encouraged me to come out (to Minnesota) and see what it was like," Brittini said. "It was probably the best decision I've ever made."
The youngest, Macy, also played at Central Michigan, and joined the Gophers this season after being inspired by her older sisters.
"They all kind of influenced me because they all love coaching," Macy said. "I had a passion for softball, as well, so I thought I would give it a shot and so far I've loved it."
Jessica is grateful to be able to spend time with her sisters while coaching, as she left for college when they were still young.
"It's been awesome to spend every day with my sisters," Jessica said. "I haven't had the opportunity, so it's been great because when I left they were young kids. It's just been fun to be a bigger part of their lives every day."
Though Brittini is no longer coaching for the Gophers, she is thankful for the opportunity to help the program grow.
"It's fun to see how much they've done with the program since I've been there," Brittini said.
Brittini left Minnesota after a year of coaching and went to work at General Motors, but quickly realized that wasn't the job for her.
"It only took a couple months in that job to realize softball was where my heart and passion was," Brittini said.
When she decided to go back to coaching, Northwestern gave her the opportunity.
And this weekend, Jessica and Macy will coach against Brittini for the first time.
"It's going to be a unique situation," Brittini said. "I've never coached against (my sisters). It will be difficult for me. I'm already having a little bit of anxiety about it. It's going to be fun, though. Any time I get to be around that staff and program, it's a good time."
Brittini coached the Gophers' senior class when they were freshmen.
"Never in my life have I had to cheer against them," Brittini said. "I want to win--unfortunately, that means they have to lose."
A lot of family and friends of the Merchants are making to trip to Minnesota this weekend to support both sides.
"It's a really unique situation for my family to be involved in," Brittini said.
Though they're all excited to see each other, there will still be a sibling rivalry present.
"It will be competitive," Jessica said. "The winner of the series will have bragging rights for a while, or for at least a year until it happens again. It's all about what we can do to beat the team across the way, regardless of who's in the dugout."
