Will begin his college career as a member of the Aztec bullpen ... Played for the Arroyo Seco Saints in in Pasadena, Calif., during the summer of 2015 ... Compiled a record of 3-2 with a 1.98 earned run average of 41 innings pitched ... Named a 2015 Perfect Game California Region Honorable Mention honoree ... Selected a Perfect Game Underclass Preseason All-American in 2013 and 2014 ... Pitched and played outfield for the team that won the Pony World Series in 2010.
HIGH SCHOOL
Won three varsity letters as a baseball player at Bishop Alemany High School in Mission Hills, Calif. ... Was coached there by Randy Thompson ... Named second-team all-Mission League as a senior when he compiled a record of 3-1 with a 1.48 earned run average and struck out 33 in 42 innings ... His ERA was second-lowest in the league ... As a junior went 4-2 with a 2.66 earned run average ... During his sophomore season led the Warriors with 60 innings pitched, six wins and 53 strikeouts while earning second-team all-Mission League accolades ... Team captain of freshman basketball squad that won league title ... Earned Academic Warrior award for highest gpa on the squad and was named Defensive Player of the Year ... Winner of the Brad Warner Baseball Scholarship given for academic and athletic excellence ... Member of National Honor Society ... Graduated with a 4.1 cumulative grade point average.
PERSONAL
Kyle Merkel was born Dec.15, 1996, in Hoffman Estates, Ill. ... Son of Chris and Katie Merkel ... Hobbies include the beach, movies and listening to music ... Favorite athlete is Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson ... Also drew recruiting interest from Santa Clara and Chapman ... A business administration major sat San Diego State with career plans of working for a professional sports team.