Nice to Meet You: Deno Merrick

Head Women’s Soccer Coach

Originally from the Caribbean isle of Antigua, MBU Women’s Soccer Coach Deno Merrick
grew up outdoors along the beach. Sports were always an interest, but his mother’s influence prevented him from pursuing football (soccer) until he reached his youth at 13. After heading to the U.S. to study under soccer scholarships, Merrick became a Spartan in the middle of his college career and never left. Known for his laid-back, optimistic and worry-free character, the coach made St. Louis home.

1. We are Family

Camaraderie seems is important for team success on and off the field. One of the main points Merrick gets across to potential teammates in the recruitment phase is that MBU Women’s Soccer is worth more than just a team. They are a family. Deno’s open door policy with the team stems beyond soccer strategy and builds into trusting, valuable relationships where school and personal matters are brought to his office daily.

2. You’ve Got Mail

Before online dating was considered the norm, Merrick met his wife in a Yahoo chatroom in 2000. They lived in different states, so their beginnings remained friendship form online until they met in New York and they went to see “Jurassic Park” on their first date. They spent eight years writing each other in the form of letters, postcards and email, which they have kept as treasured memories.

3. Sunny and Sweet

The tropical Caribbean climate comes with an array of tropical fruit that was usually found right in Merrick’s backyard. Growing up, he helped his family with produce on their farm, where he could easily grab a mango or sweet tamarind for his afternoon snack. about a third in size from this pineapple pictured, the native Antigua Black Pineapples are some of the sweetest in the world.

4. World Cup

Merrick joined the Antigua and Bermuda national football team’s youth team at the age of 14. he eventually made his way to the senior national level and was able to experience playing on fields throughout England, Germany and other islands in the Caribbean region. It is a bucket list dream of Merrick’s to catch a game in Liverpool’s Anfield football stadium.

5. Knowledge is Power

It may come as a surprise that out of all the people Merrick would choose to have dinner with in the world, it would be Sir Winston Churchill. When he’s not coaching or watching a soccer game, Merrick spends his time relaxing with new knowledge of world history. Whether it’s read “Mein Kampf” or watching a World War II special on the History Channel, he educates himself on the past no matter if it was good or bad.

6. Tea Leaves and Coffee Beans

Antigua’s beginnings as an associated state of the British Commonwealth initiated the tradition of drinking tea. Merrick grew up drinking the herbal brews rather than coffee, which is locally harvested to roasted around the world.