Zero Teen Fatalities’ Player of the Month: Centennial’s Sloane Merrell

Centennial softball player Sloane Merrell, a class of 2027 left-handed pitcher and power hitter, has verbally committed to Purdue. Photo by: Sun file photo

The moment Sloane Merrell’s bat connected with the ball in the state championship game last spring, everyone at Hixson Softball Park in Reno knew where it was going.

The Centennial High power hitter launched a home run that cleared the scoreboard.

“She has light-tower power,” Centennial coach Mike Livreri said.

The junior is also an elite left-handed pitcher — talents so coveted that her phone lit up Sept. 1, the moment college coaches could legally contact recruits for the class of 2027.

She liked what Purdue had to say and took a recruiting trip. Once she experienced the West Lafayette, Ind., program in person, the decision was easy — she verbally committed Sept. 14. It was the only recruiting trip she took before committing.

“The campus is beautiful,” she said. “It has everything I was looking for.”

Merrell was a two-way threat for Centennial, batting .475 with seven home runs and 25 RBIs. As a pitcher, she posted a 2.18 earned-run average with 126 strikeouts in 96 innings.

Not bad for a sophomore.

“No. 1, it’s her love for the game and passion for softball,” Livreri said about why Merrell stands out. “No. 2, she works extremely hard and is incredibly dedicated. I saw the growth from her freshman to sophomore year — she came in great shape and ready to compete.”

There’s no offseason for Merrell or other elite players.

She also plays for a club team based in the Midwest, traveling to tournaments throughout the spring and summer. Most players are heavily recruited by college coaches.

Merrell knew they were watching, but said it didn’t alter how she approached the game.

“I am going to be me,” she said. “I am going to bring my A-game no matter who is watching.”

When Merrell is not on the road, her training regimen continues in Las Vegas. Some days, it’s batting practice at a cage facility, other days, it’s workouts at the gym to stay in shape. And she’s always pitching.

Merrell was recruited by Purdue primarily as a pitcher, where her left-handed delivery gives her a distinct advantage — hitters rarely see the ball from that arm angle.

“I love to compete and win the mini battles,” she said of her mentality in the pitcher's circle.

Livreri says having someone like Merrell as the Centennial team leader is beneficial. It has nothing to do with her ability.

“You would hope (her work ethic) rubs off on the others,” the coach said. “She’s our best player and if she works that hard, you have to match it.”

Some club players skip playing on their team in high school, where not every game is against top teams or talent. Others simply go through the motions in the high school season.

Merrell is different. She wants to be a state champion.

Centennial lost to Palo Verde in last year’s title game. Palo Verde went undefeated.

“She really wants to win. She has the desire to be a state champion,” Livreri said.