Student-Athlete Spotlight: Marina Maerkl

11/9/2020 10:00:00 AM

Throughout the fall semester, daemenwildcats.com will feature a Student-Athlete Spotlight series to introduce you to current student-athletes from the college's 17 varsity athletic teams. Today's featured student-athlete is Marina Maerkl of the women's basketball team.

MARINA MAERKL QUICK BIO

Marina Maerkl is a sophomore forward on the Daemen women's basketball team. As a freshman, she appeared in 25 of the team's 28 games and helped the Wildcats achieve a 23-5 record, capture a share of the East Coast Conference regular season championship, win the East Coast Conference tournament championship and secure the program's first NCAA tournament bid. Maerkl averaged 10.2 minutes, 1.9 points and 2.3 rebounds per game, and led all freshmen on the team in games played, points and rebounds.

Before coming to Daemen, Maerkl starred for the Seton Catholic Saints, leading them to three-straight appearances New York State “Final Four” appearances. The Binghamton, N.Y. native was a three-time All-Region selection and earned fourth team Class A All-State honors as a senior.

QUESTION & ANSWER

A: I've been playing basketball since I was about five years old. I played in a kindergarten CYO league on my local town's team, Hillcrest.
A: I would say my brother has been my biggest inspiration. I saw him succeed on the ice playing hockey, and I wanted to do the same thing, but in my own way. We were always super competitive growing up. I always wanted to one-up him in every way.

A: When I visited Daemen, I automatically fell in love. Coach Banker was super welcoming and I got the chance to play with the team, and they were all very sweet and provided me with some answers that ultimately helped me choose Daemen.
A: Caroline White and Katie Titus are my two best friends. You can ask anyone on campus, I'm always with one or the other, or both! Caroline and I do a lot of weightlifting over in the AWC, and I'm always getting extra workouts with them. They push me to improve every day, both on and off the court.

A: My childhood idol was and still is my mom. She has taught me valuable life lessons that I will continue to use and spread as I continue growing as a player and person. She gives the best advice and truly makes everyone around her happy, and I try to do the same.
A: From my mom, Laura Maerkl: don't let anyone take that smile off your face!

A: Go Bills! And also the Seattle Storm because I'm a big fan of Breanna Stewart and Sue Bird.
A: Definitely PT 101 with Dr. Ross. The class discussion is great and we talk a lot about working with athletes, and that's what I plan on doing in the future after I graduate.

I love interacting and playing with my team. I love the bonds that form through the sport of basketball and the unity of the women's basketball community.

Marina Maerkl on her favorite thing about basketball

A: Yes, I have a 12-year old yorkie named Bailey.
A: My mom and I visited family in Italy when I was 10 years old. That trip was the most memorable because I got to see family members that I don't see often, and we saw some of the most popular historic sites in the world. And, I got to do it all with my mom!
A: I see myself working with a college or professional sports team as a physical therapist, or working in pediatric physical therapy. I would also like to venture into coaching, whether it be AAU, high school or college. I would like to pass on my love for basketball to others.

MORE STUDENT-ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT FEATURES

John Bruggman, Men's Cross Country/Track & Field

Amber Custodi, Women's Triathlon

Sean Fasoyiro, Men's Basketball

Daniela Mateo, Cheerleading

Betty Jones, Women's Track & Field

Mason Storm, Men's Track & Field

Alex Syrotynski, Women's Bowling

Jarrett Lecceadone, Men's Soccer

Daemen College features the premier NCAA Division II athletics program in the Buffalo-Niagara region, sponsoring 17 intercollegiate teams. For the latest information on Daemen Athletics, follow the Wildcats via social media on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Instagram, or sign up to receive customizable news alerts, e-mail newsletters and weekly schedule alerts.

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