Athletics Mercado Academy

06/16/2026

Beyond proud of this hard working student athlete!! Congratulations to Lena Chavez and her family!! Lena has verbally committed to Trinity Valley!!

06/16/2026

mo_mercado_softball : Some of your friends and peers won't get why you do what you do...
How and why you train so much.....
How and why you dedicate so much time to softball...
Why softball is "all you do...."
I remember like it was yesterday....
Talking to girls at school and being given a hard time for missing the sleepovers, the birthday parties, the gossip hangouts....
Getting told "oh you probably have softball".
Your damn right I have softball
I used to feel bad or guilty for not being able to hang out with my "non softball friends" lol

Until I realized that our values and goals and dreams were different.
What was important to us was different.
AND THAT IS COMPLETELY OK.
I started to realize it was easier to spend time with peeps who understood my grind.

Not everyone is going to agree or understand the amount of time, dedication, and sacrifice that you put into your sport.
But don't ever feel less than or guilty (like I did) when you have to say No.
Your travel ball, high school, and college teammates will forever understand the GRIND.
Hold on to your teammates and people who understand closely!!
That bond is DIFFERENT >>>

06/15/2026

Soaking Wet but…..Champions!

Lots of great reps this weekend before we head out to Florida!!!
19 days to get back to work before we hit the road.

06/15/2026

Lets Go ladies!!! 💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼

🏆🥎 CO-CHAMPS! this weekend at the PGF SoCal A’s Invitational! 𝔸𝕥𝕙𝕝𝕖𝕥𝕚𝕔𝕤 𝕄𝕖𝕣𝕔𝕒𝕕𝕠

06/15/2026

Coach Mo Mercado

06/14/2026

🥎❤️ THANK YOU COACHES! ❤️🥎

We are incredibly grateful to every coach and program who took the time to come out to see us during Zoom into June!

06/14/2026

Let’s go!

06/14/2026

🚨🚨COMMITTED ALERT 🚨🚨

Congratulations Danielle Stegemann 🥎🎉

We are excited to announce that Athletics Mercado Gold 2027 #88 Danielle Stegemann has made her commitment to continue her academic and softball career at the University of Sioux Falls! (Division 2)

⭐️ We are overjoyed to see Dani rise in her element that last few seasons. We are even prouder that she really dug down deep within herself to figure out who she is as an athlete only to come out in top! This kid has so much heart, when she is on the field. We are excited to see you continue your softball journey with your dream school. Thank you for trusting in us as your coaches.

🥎 Dani is pure inspiration. She takes command and control not only of the game but her teammates. She leads by example and isn’t afraid to voice if you’re not holding yourself accountable. Dani is a threat behind the plate with a cannon of an arm and sharp decision making skills. Over the last few season she has grown into her power at the plate. With a big bat she can place the ball where she wants it. Being able to consistently hit hard line drives or nukes 🚀💣 over the fence. She is an athlete any coach would want on their team.

📣 Thank you Coach Downs and staff for seeing the greatness Dani bestows. She will be a huge asset to your team, not only on the field but with her leadership as well. Thank you for recognizing her ability’s and adding her to your amazing Cougar Softball Program.

06/14/2026

Great Opportunity for Pitchers - Play Top Competition and In Front of College Coaches.