Thomas College

Rusty Mercier was named Assistant Coach in July 2023 and plays a critical role in overseeing baserunning, defensive alignment, and third base coaching duties. His impact on the Terriers was immediate. In 2024, under Mercier’s guidance, the team set a new program record for stolen bases per game (2.1) and finished among the top three in the NAC in total stolen bases. The defense also improved significantly, with Thomas leading the conference in double plays turned. Mercier was promoted to Senior Assistant Coach in 2024.

Before joining the college ranks, Mercier had a distinguished 21-year career as a high school head coach. He led Noble High School from 2000 to 2006, Winslow High School in 2010, and Lawrence High School from 2011 to 2023. Over two decades, he accumulated 186 career wins and led his teams to 14 postseason appearances. He was twice named SMAA Coach of the Year (2001, 2003) and once earned KVAC Coach of the Year honors. Mercier also made a strong impact in American Legion Baseball, managing both Senior and Junior Legion programs for 23 seasons. His teams captured one state title, two zone championships, and three runner-up finishes in the state tournament. He was named Legion Coach of the Year in both 2014 and 2015.

A multi-sport athlete at Livermore Falls High School, Mercier is a graduate of the University of Southern Maine with a degree in Technology Education. He currently teaches at Lawrence High School and Kennebec Valley Community College (TechEd/USCAA Women’s Basketball) and remains actively involved with youth programs in the Fairfield PAL community.