Dave Serrano leads Johnson University to NAIA World Series

Dave Serrano leads Johnson University to NAIA World Series

Johnson University (40-12) defeated Kansas Wesleyan (50-9), 9-8, Wednesday in Salina, Kansas to win the NAIA opening round title.

With Wednesday's victory, the Royals, coached by former Tennessee head coach Dave Serrano, qualified for the NAIA World Series in Lewiston, Idaho.

Johnson University's win also set a school record for wins in a single season. It also helped the Royals reach the NAIA World Series for the first time in program history. It was also Serrano's 100th win as Johnson's head coach. Serrano is in his third season at the school.

"My thoughts are pretty deep right now," Serrano said. "I think about the players that trusted us three years ago when there wasn't much to sell, and that's no disrespect to anybody. I thank president Daniel Overdorf, athletic director Brandon Perry, all of our administration, all of our staff, my players, my coaches, the parents."

Serrano was Tennessee's head coach from 2012-17, compiling a 157-163 (55-120 SEC) record. He also served as an assistant coach at Tennessee from 1995-96 under head coach Rod Delmonico.

Serrano also served as head coach at UC Irvine (2005-07), Cal State Fullerton (2008-11) and Cal State Northridge (2020-22). He won three Big West championships with Cal State Fullerton (2008, 2010-11).

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