FRESHMAN (2009): Played in 25 matches in her first season with the Bulldogs ... collected 115 kills which was good enough for fifth on the team ... also posted 17 service aces to finish with a 0.20 average per set ... had three double-digit kill performances, establishing a career-high 12 in matches against Georgia Southern (Nov. 7) and Wofford (Nov. 14) ... dished out five assists in a Bulldog victory over UNC Greensboro (Oct. 25) ... recorded four assisted blocks against Davidson (Nov. 8) ... turned in nine double figure assisted block matches during the course of the season.

HIGH SCHOOL: Graduated from A.C. Flora High School in 2009...lettered in volleyball two years...was a member of the SC Juniors 18 Blue team and SC Juniors Absolute 18 AAU team...high school team advanced to third round of state playoffs sophomore year...named to All-Army team during club regionals...pursing the ROTC training program at The Citadel.

PERSONAL: Kaona Shamez Mercer...born Aug. 22, 1990 in Wuerzburg, Germany ... daughter of Spalvera and Kenneth Mercer...chose The Citadel over UNC Charlotte, Francis Marion, Radford, College of Charleston and Coastal Carolina...majoring in mathematics.