Baseball season is just around the corner, and the Acalanes Dons are already gearing up for another exciting year. Leading the charge this season is Andrew Merken, known as Coach Merk, who steps into the role of head coach after years of dedication as a member of the Dons baseball coaching staff. He is back and so is the entire Dons baseball coaching staff: Hal Marty, JJ Northrup and Bob Brueckner.
Coach Merk is no stranger to Acalanes. A proud alumnus, he played on the Dons baseball team before graduating in 2013. His passion for the sport carried him into college, where he excelled as a pitcher. Upon completing his student-athlete career, Coach Merk transitioned into coaching, honing his skills at the high school and college levels. These experiences have equipped him with creative problem-solving abilities, analytical thinking, and a knack for connecting with players of all skill levels—qualities that will be invaluable as he leads the Dons in 2025 and beyond.
“Teamwork, dedication, and passion” aren’t just buzzwords for Coach Merk; they are the foundation of his coaching philosophy. His journey as both a player and coach reflects a deep commitment to fostering growth, building strong relationships, and achieving success on and off the field. Under his guidance, the Dons are poised to take their game to the next level.
The 2025 season looks promising, with the Dons bringing back a majority of their team from last year. Let’s take a moment to recap the highlights from the 2024 season: the boys started with an incredible 17-0 streak, setting a new school record. Ending the season with a deep run in NCS Division 1 Semifinals. As well, the Dons home games were full of fans, students, and true BLUE spirit. It was a great 2024 season and 2025 might be a little déjà vu with a little bit of ‘ain’t seen nothing yet’ vibe. Dons Baseball isn’t just stepping up to the plate, we’re swinging for the fences. If you think you’ve seen all the action, think again…Here come the Dons.
Several standout players return to bolster the team’s efforts. Keegan Goddard, Branson Smith, and David Gonzales are among the all-league stars coming back for another season. Gonzales aka “Gonzo,” returns for his senior year after earning impressive accolades from 2024: CalHiSports Medium Schools All-State 2nd Team, All-Bay Area News Group 2nd Team, SF Chronicle’s All-Metro Honorable Mention, and 1st Team All-DAL League. Meanwhile, James Stadt remains a force to be reckoned with at shortstop, anchoring the Dons infield for three years now with his experience and skill. And, you are guaranteed to find some new rising stars in this dugout.
The Dons also boast a strong, deep bullpen ready to shut down opposing offenses, solid defense across all positions, and a lineup of hitters eager to dominate at the plate. Whether it’s ripping line drives, stealing bases, or scoring clutch runs, this team is ready to bring the energy and excitement fans have come to expect in Dons Baseball.
As the Dons embark on this new chapter under Coach Merk’s leadership, the focus is clear: build on last year’s successes, strive for excellence, and foster a team culture rooted in hard work and camaraderie of ‘All In’. The foundation is set, the players are ready, and the season holds limitless potential. Here’s to a thrilling 2025 season for the Dons!
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