The early morning of Saturday, January 13 will be one that Landy Mertz never forgets. The North Carolina Courage came calling. Mertz, a Century United alum, was drafted with the tenth pick of the fourth round. 

Shortly after being drafted, Landy said “What an unbelievable blessing this is. Anyone who knows me at all knows how excited I am to get an opportunity with Courage. I am overwhelmed with gratitude, but I know that the work has only just begun! Thank you so much to all” 

The monumental Mertz capped her collegiate career at Pitt ranked in the top-10 in the nation for assists per game (0.58) and total assists in a season (14). The Pittsburgh, PA native leaves Pitt with her name in the record book for most assists in a single season. 

Mertz made a start in 23 out of a record-breaking 24 games played in the 2023 season, totaling 1907 minutes. She secured four goals and 14 assists on the season, posting a total of 58 shots with 33 on target. The fifth year secured three assists and a goal in the First Round of the NCAA Tournament against Ohio State to help the Panthers propel past the Buckeyes and into the Second Round. Mertz found herself ranked at No. 47 after an impressive 2023 season on the Top Drawer Soccer Top-100 Post-Season list. This honor was added next to a number of accolades from the record-breaking season including United Soccer Coaches All-Atlantic Region Third Team honors, and All-ACC Third Team honors. 

While a player in the club, Landy was selected as 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 at Upper St. Clair. She netted 56 goals and 30 assists in her high school career and garnered all-section every year and all-area, Almanac Elite 11, All-WPIAL and All-State in her last seasons. She helped the USC 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, and served as team captain her last two seasons. While at Century she won three State Cup titles.