Ryan Merk, Penn State

Ryan Merk

  • Award
    Defensive Player of the Week
  • Week Of
    1/12/2026
  • Sport
    Men's Volleyball
  • School
    Penn State University
  • Year
    Senior
  • Position
    Libero
  • Hometown
    Chicago, Ill.
  • High School
    Loyola Academy
Penn State's Ryan Merk is the first EIVA Defensive Player of the Week for 2026, awarded on Jan. 12. Ryan anchored the defense to help the No. 13 Nittany Lions to a pair of wins to open the season. During a 3-1 win against Mount Olive on Jan. 9 and a 3-0 sweep of Manhattan on Jan. 10, the redshirt senior libero totaled 18 digs and added three assists. He posted nine digs in each match, adding a perfect 36 for 36 in service receptions. The three-time All-American entered the season with 663 career digs, which is eighth on Penn State’s all-time list. This is the fifth EIVA weekly honor of Merk’s career.