The SAC Impact Episode 2: Viri Serrano

After a short stint at Humboldt State University, Viri Serrano made the tough decision to return home to be closer to family despite working her way into the Lumberjack indoor volleyball rotation as a redshirt freshman. The talented volleyball player still wanted to play following her move but knew she would face some obstacles with NCAA rules restricting her transfer options. With big dreams and few options to play at other four year institutions, Serrano reconnected with Santa Ana College Head Volleyball Coach Troy Abbey, who tried to recruit her out of Godinez High a couple years prior. 

In 2016, Serrano joined the SAC volleyball program and immediately made a difference, helping the Dons win 10 more matches than they did the previous year and earned indoor volleyball all-Orange Empire Conference first team honors in the process. But her journey with the Dons did not end there as she took the opportunity at playing beach volleyball competitively for the first time. 

Serrano and her partner Mikelle Taylor went on to make history for Santa Ana College, becoming the first pair to qualify for the CCCAA State Championships in school history and doing it two seasons in a row. After the 2018 beach volleyball season, the duo committed to play at Ottawa University where they both contributed in big ways to bring home an NAIA Beach National Championship for the Spirit in 2019. 

Serrano remains a part of the Spirit beach volleyball team after Covid-19 cut the 2020 season short, giving her another year of eligibility. She plans on obtaining her bachelor's degree in education in May of 2021 and becoming a teacher. 

Full interview with NAIA National Champion Viri Serrano