MOSCOW, Idaho – Myah Merino has always been a goal scorer. Since her very first year of rec soccer, she played forward, looking to get on the scoresheet.

Now, the redshirt senior is entering her final year as a Vandal sitting tied for 10th in career goals scored.

A San Marcos, California, native, Merino scored one goal as a freshman, three as a sophomore, and five to lead the team her junior season. She had tallied one goal in the 2019 season before suffering a season-ending injury. Her 10 career goals put her tied with Katie Baran and Sara Best for 10th most in school history.

"Coming into a team that had such an important family culture, it was motivating to hold myself to that standard and show younger players what it took to be a Vandal," said Merino.

"She is a unique talent in the fact that she is unbelievably quick but she's also very strong," said head coach Jeremy Clevenger.

Merino started her collegiate years with prolific goals scorers as teammates. As an underclassman, she played with Kavita Battan, Olivia Baggery, and Elexis Schlossarek, who are fifth, sixth, and seventh, respectively in the record books for goals.

"They were a really good example for me coming in and I knew they were the type of player that I had to live up to be," said Merino. "I had to watch them do what they were doing to get to where I am today."

Coming into her final season, Merino has her eyes on the record book, but she is also focused on being a leader and contributing to the team.

"I want to leave everything out there for my teammates and for my coaches," said Merino about her final year.

 "You can definitely see that maturation that has come from being a fifth-year player. She's been through injury, she's had to sit, she's had to watch a little bit and I think that sometimes can help you see things in a different light," said Clevenger. "She's always been a leader on the field, now she's learning to be more vocal."

Despite the unprecedented times, Merino is ready to have fun and score some goals, just like she has always done.