Preston Merrick ’26 is a four-year Senior from Laurelton, New York. He is co-captain of Boys Varsity Basketball and has committed to play next year at Harvard University.
Teammate Max Mudry ’26 said, “Preston is a great teammate and always lifts up the people around him. Whether in practice or in game, Preston is always making sure that we are organized and locked in.”
How did you get your start with basketball?
My dad and my brother used to play soccer. When I was around three years old, I played goalie. When I came home one night with my dad and brother, we saw LeBron playing against the Celtics during the playoffs. I wondered what sport it was—it looked really fun. I saw LeBron come in and dunk. Right there and then I knew that I was going to play basketball. I literally quit soccer that day and started playing basketball.
What led you to come to Hotchkiss?
My brother went to Oxford Academy, and I went up to visit him during Parent’s Weekend. I thought it was cool to be at a school like that. I wanted to get away from New York and follow in my brother’s footsteps. My mom ended up sending me to Cardigan Mountain School in New Hampshire. I did two years there and became the school leader in my ninth grade year. Then I re-classed here. Hotchkiss recruited me when I was at Cardigan, and after Revisit Day, I knew I wanted to be here.
What have been some of your biggest moments playing basketball here?
Prep year, I had a big game against Trinity Pawling, and it started my love for the Hotchkiss community and playing for Hotchkiss. Anytime we go to St. Joseph’s or the Hoophall, I like to represent the school and let them know we’re good at basketball.
What is it like to be a captain this year?
It can be challenging, because I need to lead by example. But for my future, I think it’s a good thing. It teaches me skills that I’m going to need later. I’m also able to teach people who were my age and those who come from Cardigan, which provides me challenges. It keeps me dialed in and focused on my games.
What has your college recruitment process been like?
When I was Upper Mid, I didn’t really think I was going to go to an Ivy League school. I was more focused on basketball at schools like UConn, Texas, UMass, BC and Syracuse. I was thinking that maybe a bigger school might be better for basketball and a little less on the academic side compared to Harvard. But after spring of Upper Mid year, a lot of big schools turned me down. Harvard always asked me when my next game was and stayed engaged with me. They showed the most love out of all the schools. When I revisited, I met some of the teammates who I would play with, and now I have good bonds with them.
What are your goals in college?
It’s been my dream ever since I was a kid to go to the NBA. I want to take advantage of the opportunities in college and play basketball at the same time. Hotchkiss has given me access to tools that most people don’t have. For example, taking engineering here has been important for me, because there isn’t an EFX lab in Queens, where I come from.
What are your goals for the rest of the season?
To win the championship. But first, make the playoffs. We fell short three years in a row. I’ve been here for four years, so I feel like it’s my duty to help make sure we get to where we should’ve been for the past three years. Another one is to have as many people come to our games as much as possible. The last two games, we’ve had a lot of people turn up and it shows how much people care for us. I think this year is going to be different if we keep winning and we have this much support.
Do you have any advice for younger athletes?
Stay confident. People my age or even younger struggle to keep their confidence. Basketball is a mental game and less about the skills. If you want to get where I’m striving to be, I think you have to believe in yourself. I wasn’t as good as I am now. If you doubt yourself, you should rethink it—because you are more than capable.
