A historic season unfolds
Johnson University’s baseball program, long considered a mid‑major contender, has broken new ground by reaching the NAIA World Series for the first time in school history. The achievement comes under the guidance of former Tennessee Volunteer pitcher‑turned‑coach Dave Serrano, whose three‑year tenure has transformed the roster into a winning machine.
The Royals capped the Opening Round with a perfect 3‑0 record, highlighted by a 20‑10 rout of Our Lady of the Lake and two dramatic victories over Kansas Wesleyan. The second of those meetings, a 9‑8 win on May 13, showcased the team’s resilience and depth, as they rallied in the final innings to claim the upset.
With the Opening Round concluded, Johnson University now prepares for the World Series showdown scheduled for May 22 in Lewiston, Idaho. The upcoming matchup will pit the Royals against the nation’s elite college‑level talent, offering a chance to test the program’s rapid ascent on a national stage.
Serrano’s impact is evident in the program’s statistical surge. From a 24‑22 record in his inaugural season, the team posted a 36‑18 finish in 2025 and crossed the 40‑win threshold after the Kansas Wesleyan victory. The coach’s ability to attract transfers, develop pitchers, and instill a winning culture has been cited as the catalyst behind the school’s best three‑year stretch.
The success is not isolated to Johnson University. Tennessee Wesleyan University also advanced to the NAIA World Series, posting blowout wins in the Opening Round and underscoring the depth of competition in the region. Both programs reflect a broader resurgence of NAIA baseball, driven by strategic coaching hires and increased investment in facilities.
As the Royals board their flight to Idaho, the campus community celebrates a milestone that will reverberate through future recruiting cycles. For Dave Serrano, the journey from assistant at West Virginia and head coach at several California schools to leading Johnson University to its first World Series is a testament to his adaptability and baseball acumen.