There are numerous reasons why students and families are drawn to Mercy Academy when choosing the right high school, from our dedicated teachers, to our innovative learning methods and small class sizes, to our picturesque campus and commitment to Christ-centered values. However, the appeal of Mercy Academy extends beyond incoming freshmen. Some students discover that Mercy Academy is the perfect fit for their academic journey even in the midst of their high school years.

Maya Merrill, now a senior, is a testament to this. Since transferring to Mercy Academy, Maya has not only excelled academically but has also left a notable mark on the school's softball team.

Transferring to Mercy Academy from North Oldham High School as a sophomore, Maya said upon touring Mercy Academy's campus, she was instantly enamored with the school. Accompanied by her softball teammate Peyton Arnold, she embarked on a shadowing visit that left a lasting impression. Shadow visits offer prospective students the chance to delve into the vibrant life of Mercy Academy, from campus exploration and class participation to meeting fellow students and faculty and experiencing the profound sense of sisterhood emblematic of Mercy's community spirit. Despite acknowledging the challenges of transitioning schools mid-year, Maya said she made the decision to enroll at Mercy Academy within a mere two months after her visit.

"I really felt a pull toward Mercy," Maya said. "I walked in the doors on my shadow day and I just really felt like I was home. All the teachers and students were so kind and it was such a great experience."

Maya said though she thoroughly enjoyed attending her previous school, she said the athletic guidance she has received at Mercy Academy has been unparalelled.

"Mercy emphasizes not only winning and being victorious but also being a gracious winner and being competitive." She said.

A softball player since she was 10 years old, Maya serves as the pitcher for the Jaguars. She said among her cherished accomplishments in softball are her participation in the East/West All-Star Series last year, clinching the regional championship with her team and being honored with the Mark O'Brien Spirit of Competition Award.

"It really means a lot to me because character is something that is really important, and Mercy does a great job of instilling character and making sure that you do the right thing, even if no one is watching," she said.

After graduation, Maya will be continuing her athletic and academic career at Cedarville University on Cedarville, Ohio this fall. Maya said she views her upcoming collegiate athletic career as a way of honoring her father's legacy of college athleticism, as he was a golfer at the University of Southern Indiana. She also proudly wears the number 11 in honor of her mother, whom she credits as one of the most significant role models in her life.

"Playing college softball has been a dream of mind since my first rec ball game," Maya said in a statement following her commitment announcement in November.

Reflecting on her journey playing softball at Mercy Academy, Maya said she attributes her motivation to her parents, teammates, coaches and the school's ethos. She said that achieving such success would likely not have been possible without her pivotal decision to transfer schools.

"You can find a group of people you truly connect with," she said of Mercy Academy. "Mercy truly sets itself apart from every other school."