Bears alumnae Rachel Mercik joined the Cal women's soccer team as an assistant coach in January of 2023. She enters her first season in that role.

Before rejoining her alma mater, Mercik spent the last two seasons as an assistant coach at UC Davis. During her time with the Aggies the team posted a 19-14-4 overall record, made an appearance in the Big West Tournament, and produced eight All-Big West Conference selections.

Prior to her coaching career, Mercik enjoyed a six-year 1st Division professional career, with stints at FFC Turbine Potsdam in Germany, Vittsjö GIK in Sweden, and Apollon Ladies F.C. in Cyprus. Her Apollon Ladies F.C team saw a Cypriot Championship, League Championship, Super Cup Championship, and a berth to the UEFA Women's Champions League. She has also been a part of three different WPSL summer league teams including the Seattle Sounders, SF Knighthawks, and California Storm, where she played alongside Cal assistant coach Cori Callahan.

She has also made many appearances in the international circuit, attending several US Youth National team camps, and represented the US U-18's in Argentina for a three-game friendly series.

As a Bear, Mercik played in 75 matches, started in 51, and was a mainstay at the forward position in the Bears' lineup from 2010-2013. She scored the second-most goals on the team her senior year with six, and tallied the second-most points with 16. This feat saw her voted an All-Pac-12 honorable mention and earned her the title of offensive player of the year for the team. She is lauded for scoring the overtime golden goal against rival Stanford in that same campaign that gave the Bears their first win over the Cardinal in six seasons.

In total, she had 13 goals, 12 assists, and four game-winners.