High School
Prepped at The Lutheran High School of Kansas City (Mo.) … coached by Jim Bean … lettered and started all four years … served as a team captain for one year … named team MVP and earned numerous tournament medals … also played basketball and soccer for four years … helped school’s academic team to state place finishes of third in 2022, second in 2023 and fourth in 2024 … member of National Honor Society and National Honor Choir … garnered Music Award, Drama Award and Character Award at Lutheran High.

Personal
Born in Kansas City, Mo., on November 14, 2006 … son of Brett and Lisa Mertens … mother is a Concordia alum and older sister Reagan attends Concordia … has a younger brother Ryan … enjoys video games, reading and Rubik cubes.