HIGH SCHOOL
- Ranked a four-star infielder by Softball America/On3, and represents one of two four-star infielders in UCF's 2024-25 freshman class (Beth Damon).
- Won two championships, including the 2021 Foothill League title and the 2022 Gold Coast League title
- With the OC Batbusters in travel ball, helped lead her squad to two Alliance National Championships in 2022 and 2023, as well as an Alliance Super Cup Championship in 2023
- Hit .566 during her junior season, marking her third straight season with an average north of .470, and in three years in high school slugged 30 home runs
“I have been playing softball my whole life, and my dream has been to play college softball,” Mertes said. “UCF has allowed me to achieve this dream. I chose UCF because I love Florida and the beach, since I am from California. I also loved the environment of the team and the coaching staff. Beyond softball, I believe UCF has the academic rigor and competitiveness I am looking for which helps make it a perfect fit.”
ABOUT IZZY
Major: Business; Minor: Sports Management ... Favorite pro athlete: Caitlin Clark ... Favorite pro team: Los Angeles Dodgers ... Pregame ritual: Listening to music ... Favorite off day activity: Sleeping and hanging out with friends ... Favorite music artist: Drake ... Go-to karaoke song: California Girls ... Nickname growing up: Bella Bee ... Favorite sport outside softball: Pickleball ... Dream vacation desitination: Brazil.