Former Tennessee Coach Dave Serrano Leads Johnson University to Historic NAIA World Series Berth
Johnson University has achieved a historic milestone by advancing to the NAIA World Series for the first time in its program history. Under the leadership of head coach Dave Serrano, a former University of Tennessee baseball coach, the Royals secured their spot with a decisive 9-8 victory over Kansas Wesleyan on May 13, 2026. This win capped a perfect 3-0 run in the NAIA Opening Round, which began with a dominant 20-10 defeat of Our Lady of the Lake. The achievement marks the culmination of the most successful three-year period for the Johnson University baseball program. Since Serrano's arrival, the team has seen significant improvement, rising from a 24-22 record in his inaugural season to a program-record 40 wins this year. The Royals are scheduled to compete in the World Series starting May 22 in Lewiston, Idaho, where they will face an opponent yet to be determined. Serrano brings extensive experience to the role, having previously coached at Tennessee, Cal State Northridge, and other institutions.
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Former Tennessee Coach Dave Serrano Leads Johnson University to Historic NAIA World Series Berth
Johnson University has achieved a historic milestone by advancing to the NAIA World Series for the first time in its program history. Under the leadership of head coach Dave Serrano, a former University of Tennessee baseball coach, the Royals secured their spot with a decisive 9-8 victory over Kansas Wesleyan on May 13, 2026. This win capped a perfect 3-0 run in the NAIA Opening Round, which began with a dominant 20-10 defeat of Our Lady of the Lake. The achievement marks the culmination of the most successful three-year period for the Johnson University baseball program. Since Serrano's arrival, the team has seen significant improvement, rising from a 24-22 record in his inaugural season to a program-record 40 wins this year. The Royals are scheduled to compete in the World Series starting May 22 in Lewiston, Idaho, where they will face an opponent yet to be determined. Serrano brings extensive experience to the role, having previously coached at Tennessee, Cal State Northridge, and other institutions.