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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.”
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The stars of 2024-25 LSA Volleyball
WITHIN REACH: State Title could be in the cards for No. 3 Lutheran South
NO. 3 -- LUTHERAN SOUTH ACADEMY PIONEERS
Head Coach: Geoff Stresman
2023: 341-8/TAPPS-5A State Finalists
THE PIONEERS WERE AT THE DOORSTEP OF WINNING IT ALL IN 2023.
Lutheran South won 41 matches and marched its way to the TAPPS 5A State Championship match. Although the Pioneers fell to Liberty Christian in the Final, they now eye a return trip in 2024, and they have the firepower to do it.
Texas A&M-commit Kirra Musgrove returns for 19th-year coach Geoff Stresman (364-228). Musgrove was the District MVP, first-team, all-state, a State All-Tournament Team selection, and also a USAV U19 National Team pick. She racked up 641 kills, 564 assists, 322 digs, 111 aces and 55 blocks in her junior campaign.
Also returning for LSA is middle blocker Kenna Sambrano (276 kills, 56 blocks) and right-side/setter Aniston Collins (783 assists, 270 digs, 113 kills, 101 aces). They were both named to the TAPPS State All-Tournament team and first-team, all-district picks.
Also watch for Jamie Faseler (216 digs, 51 aces – second-team, all-district) and Haleigh Pham (187 kills, 70 blocks, 43 aces— honorable-mention, all-district).
“A lot of offense is returning. We will have some young and upcoming hitters on the outside this year,” Stresman said. “Replacing Taylor Crain as our libero will be key, as she was our leader on and off the court and always brought high energy and intensity to the team. Senior leadership will be key this season."