Pitt women’s soccer adds sophomore transfer Landy Mertz

PITTSBURGH – Pitt women’s soccer has added Pittsburgh native and Dayton sophomore transfer Landy Mertz, head coach Randy Waldrum announced Thursday.

With three years of eligibility, Mertz will join the Panthers for the spring portion of the season as the Flyers didn’t compete this fall.

Landy Mertz | Forward | Pittsburgh, Pa. | Dayton | Upper St. Clair HS | Century SC

At Dayton: Named to the Atlantic 10 All-Rookie Team … Started all 19 matches as a midfielder … Scored three goals along with two assists for eight points … Led the team with 22 of 43 shots on goal … Was a 4.0 academic award recipient.

Club: Played for Century and Riverhounds Academy … Helped the teams to win the 2018 Region I, three State Cup, two US Club Regional and the US Club National Championships … Named Best 11 at USYSA National Championships in 2018.

High School: Selected a United Soccer Coaches High School All-American and the Post-Gazette Player of the Year after producing 20 goals and 15 assists as a senior … Netted 56 goals and 30 assists in her high school career … Garnered all-section every year and all-area, Almanac Elite 11, All-WPIAL and All-State in her last seasons … Helped the Panthers win the PIAA AAAA Championship as a freshman and two section titles and was selected the team’s rookie of the year … Picked team MVP as a sophomore … Served as team captain her last two seasons.

Waldrum on Mertz:
“We are very excited to get Landy back to Pittsburgh. Landy was one of the first players we saw in the recruiting process here when we took on the Pitt job. Unfortunately at that time she had already committed to Dayton but our staff felt like she was special and one of the top players coming out of Western Pennsylvania. Her ability to be dynamic in front of goal is what stands out the most. She can score goals and create goal scoring opportunities, coupled with her tireless work ethic and understanding of the game will be what makes her successful in our program. She’ll a big part of our attack heading into the spring season.”

Why Pitt for Mertz:
“Being a Pittsburgh native, I am excited to come back to my hometown university. Pitt provides excellent academic and athletic opportunities, and I am excited for the challenge to study and compete at Pitt. Hail to Pitt!”

The Mertz Family-Pittsburgh Soccer Connection:
Landy is not the only one in her family playing soccer above the high school ranks in the city limits. Her brother, Robbie, played his second season with the Pittsburgh Riverhounds and has 11 goals with the team as a midfielder.