NEW ALBANY, Ind. – IU Southeast assistant women's basketball coach Bernie Merkel has announced he is resigning his position after 20 seasons on the bench.

Merkel, a 1982 graduate of IU Southeast, played basketball for four seasons at IU Southeast under head coach Jim Morris. He began coaching at IU Southeast in 1992 working alongside head coach Robin Farris.  He helped guide the Grenadiers to 12 regular season KIAC titles, six KIAC Tournament championships and seven NAIA Tournament appearances.  The team won over 350 games during his time as an assistant.  He also spent time as an assistant volleyball coach at IU Southeast. 
 

"I can't thank Coach Merkel enough for the time and effort he has given the student-athletes at IU Southeast," IU Southeast athletic director Joe Glover said.  "He has been a great teacher of the game and has helped mentor many student-athletes throughout his career. There is no doubt that our program is better today because of Bernie and his dedication to the student-athletes he served."