Carmel’s own Eli Mercer earns top honor at IU Indianapolis Jag Awards

By MADDI SPONSEL
For The Reporter

Former Carmel High School tennis standout Eli Mercer was named one of two recipients of the Melvyn Garland Distinguished Student-Athlete Award at the IU Indianapolis Athletic Department’s annual Jag Awards banquet. This award is the highest honor presented to one male and one female senior athlete.

The award was established in memory of Melvyn Garland, former men’s basketball head coach and athletic director. Known to most as Mel, he embodied all that is the best within IU Indy Athletics. Garland died of leukemia in 1983. He is remembered for his athletic ability, scholarship, mental attitude, leadership, and perseverance, which define this distinguished honor.

For Mercer, the recognition was a reflection of his four years as a Jaguar.

“My time at IU Indy has been a transformative experience in all aspects of my life,” Mercer said. “I’ve been able to develop professionally through the Kelley School of Business and Honors College, athletically through the men’s tennis team and athletic department, and personally through all the great friends and mentors I’ve had throughout my time here.”

His coach, Bren Vasalakis, echoed that sentiment.

Vasalakis

“Eli’s impact always transcended his athletic ability; he was a pillar of leadership and character for IU Indy Men’s Tennis,” Vasalakis said. “I am incredibly grateful to have coached him these past four years. While Eli was surprised to receive the athletic department’s Mel Garland Award, anyone who knows his work ethic and character wasn’t surprised at all.”

Photo provided

Along with his achievements on the court, Mercer is an honors student at the Kelley School of Business, where he just graduated with a degree in Business Management and Marketing. He earned the Chancellor’s Scholar distinction, one of the university’s most prestigious academic recognitions. He has been an active member of the Kelley Indianapolis Marketing Association and the Honors College, and volunteered as a timekeeper at the Horizon League Swimming Championships.

His passion for tennis extends into the professional world as well. Mercer served as Social Media Manager for Cracked Racquets, a prominent tennis broadcasting outlet, where he managed all company social media accounts and co-led a team of interns. He worked courtside at the Cranbrook Tennis Classic in Michigan and interned at the Cincinnati Open, one of the most prestigious ATP tournaments and part of the Masters 1000 series.

Mercer is one of two award recipients this year, an honor that places him among a distinguished group of Jaguars who have embodied the full spirit of IU Indy Athletics, not only in competition but also in the classroom and throughout the community.