When Dave Serrano took the helm at Johnson University three years ago, he wasn't exactly inheriting a powerhouse. But on a memorable Wednesday in Salina, Kansas, the former Tennessee head coach etched his name into the program's history books. The Royals (40-12) pulled off a thrilling 9-8 victory over Kansas Wesleyan (50-9) to capture the NAIA opening round title—and with it, punched their ticket to the NAIA World Series in Lewiston, Idaho for the first time ever.

The win wasn't just a milestone for the program; it was a personal one for Serrano, marking his 100th victory as Johnson's head coach. It also set a new single-season school record for wins, capping a remarkable turnaround that has fans buzzing about what's next. For a team that had never even sniffed the World Series before, this is the kind of breakthrough that defines a season—and a coaching legacy.

"My thoughts are pretty deep right now," Serrano said, reflecting on the journey. "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's path to this moment is a familiar one for college baseball fans. He spent six seasons as Tennessee's head coach (2012-17), posting a 157-163 overall record and a 55-120 mark in SEC play. Before that, he was an assistant under Rod Delmonico in Knoxville from 1995-96. His resume also includes head coaching stints at UC Irvine (2005-07), Cal State Fullerton (2008-11), and Cal State Northridge (2020-22), where he won three Big West championships with the Titans.

Now, Serrano is leading a different kind of charge—one that has Johnson University's baseball program on the national stage. For the Royals, this isn't just a trip to the World Series; it's a testament to the power of belief, hard work, and a coach who knows how to build something from the ground up. As they head to Idaho, they'll carry the hopes of a school that's learning to dream big.