Mercer Nominated for NCAA Division III LGBTQ OneTeam Award

CARMEL, Ind. – The NCAA Division III LGBTQ OneTeam Recognition Awards Selection Committee recently announced the nominees for the awards, with Shelby Mercer (Canton, Ohio), a women's golfer from Defiance College, nominated for the student-athlete award.

The NCAA Division III LGBTQ award, in its second year of recognition, is an honor that was created to recognize the academic achievements, athletics excellence, and service and leadership of LGBTQ student-athletes. To be eligible, a nominee must identify as LGBTQ, have participated in an NCAA-sponsored sport at an NCAA Division III school, be in good academic standing, and have demonstrated service and leadership in LGBTQ inclusion.

Mercer, a senior at Defiance, has been nominated for the award for the second straight year. She is an education major with a minor in autism studies and will look to pursue a career as an elementary teacher and help kids with special needs. Mercer also hopes to take on the role of a golf coach and help have a positive impact on the lives of others.

"Being nominated for this award means a lot," noted Mercer. "It is very cool to see that we have an opportunity to be recognized and it's a good chance to represent our community."

Mercer has found a second home in Defiance College and credits the commitment to diversity and family-like atmosphere with helping her to grow. It was that welcoming nature that allowed Mercer to feel comfortable enough to 'come out" in college, and fully commit to being herself.

"What I have learned, and it kind of sounds cold-hearted, but it really isn't, if someone doesn't want to be in your life and accept you for who you are, then you don't need that negativity," Mercer shared. "Be you. That's one thing I have learned, especially here at Defiance, because they are so diverse and accepting here. I think that having a college that allows you to do that and to express yourself, really helps."

There are many facets of Defiance that Mercer has come to love. She credits the close-knit community for fostering an environment that allows student-athletes to thrive.

"It's a family, and you're not a number," Mercer added. "The professors are amazing - they will call you and facetime you if you need help. The coaches – every coach, helps you. That's what I love about Defiance."

The NCAA will announce the finalists for the awards later in the year and will recognize the winners at the 2022 NCAA Convention in Indianapolis, Ind. For more information on the OneTeam Recognition awards, visit the Division III LGBTQ One Team Program website.