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Lutheran South's Marcus Cantu
ON DECK: Cantu’s Next Chapter with LSA and Beyond
Marcus Cantu is one of the elite shortstops in Texas — if not the country.
So when the Lutheran South Academy diamond king flipped his commitment from the University of Texas to Coastal Carolina… heads turned.
Why?
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The Chanticleers were fresh off a run to the College World Series Finals, finishing No. 2 nationally in 2025 after falling to eventual champion LSU. Texas, meanwhile, finished No. 18. For Cantu, the decision came down to development and opportunity.
“Coastal Carolina really develops their players, and that was a huge selling point,” he said. “I’ll have an opportunity to get on the field as a freshman at one of the top programs in the country. That’s all you can ask.”
Winning has always followed Cantu.
He started at quarterback for the Pioneers as a freshman, leading them to the playoffs while racking up more than 1,500 yards of offense and 16 touchdowns. But his journey hasn’t been smooth. Injuries sidelined him during parts of his freshman and sophomore seasons before he returned fully healthy as a junior — and hungrier than ever.
“Going through that was very difficult,” he said. “That’s what made last year so special — winning state with that group of guys. We were so close and had such great chemistry. That was the difference.
“What I love about LSA is that state is the standard. The older guys help the younger guys prepare for varsity, and it’s a seamless transition.”
When he’s not taking hacks in the cage, the left-handed slugger can usually be found at Chipotle.
“If I had an NIL deal, I’d want it there,” he laughed. “I eat there all the time — the same thing every time… a bowl with double rice, double chicken, lettuce, salsa and cheese.”
And if he could share a meal with anyone in history?
“It would be Jesus,” he said. “Just sitting there talking and asking all the questions I could think of would be pretty special.”
Talent may open doors, but Cantu’s perspective and perseverance suggest his biggest moments are still ahead — and he’s stepping into them with confidence.
BIG MAN BEHIND THE PLATE: LSA's Serna Is Top Recruit In Texas, Nation
OMAR SERNA JUST SOUNDS LIKE A BASEBALL NAME, RIGHT?
The Lutheran South Academy catcher looks the part at 6-foot-2. 225-pounds. Maybe, even more like a middle linebacker in the college game.
He has the look and the name, but what about the game? Omar Serna is the No. 2 ranked player in all of Texas and has signed with national power LSU.
“What I think is more important than the five tools of baseball is being a good teammate,” he said. “That is my main focus... to do anything I can to help the team, whether that is hitting a home run, hitting for average, throwing someone out our managing the pitchers and defense.”
He is most at home behind the plate.
“I love to be in control of the game,” he said. “Having an influence on every pitch and getting the defense lined up right or calling pitches keeps me engaged. When I was a kid, I never really paid attention to the catchers, I liked players like George Springer, Jose Altuve, and Carlos Correa. Now, I respect guys like Buster Posey, JT Realmuto, and Jose Trevino, and see how they go about their craft.”
His other homes away from home are the golf course and the woods.
“I love to play golf with my guys Nico Partida (Pearland), Lucas Franco (Cinco Ranch) and Mason Murphy (Ridge Point) to unwind from baseball,” he laughed. “I can carry 300-plus yards off the tee, but my wedges are pretty good too. I also love to be out in nature, either hunting or fishing in my off time.”
Starting this fall, Serna will pack his bags and head for Louisiana, monikered the Sportsman’s Paradise, for its rich hunting and fishing holes. He will wear the purple-and-gold of LSU.

“I committed there when I was a freshman,” he said. “Coach (Jay) Johnson has built them back into a national brand and I love his style. The fanbase is insane and it’s an atmosphere like no other.”
For now, Serna has hopes of winning a ring with the Pioneers of the TAPPS private school ranks.
“The goal here is always a State Championship,” he said. “With this group of guys, we have a good shot at it again. I can’t wait to get started.”






























