Miguel Serrano finalized his college plans last month.
The 2024 Central Valley High School grad will further his education and continue his soccer career at UC Merced.
Serrano posed for pictures with family, friends and teammates after signing his national letter intent with the Bobcats on May 29 inside the CVHS gymnasium.
“It was a special day,” he said. “Having everyone there meant a lot.”
“I put in hard work to get to where I’m at,” Serrano added.
Central Valley head coach Horacio Garcia missed Serrano’s signing ceremony for the birth of his daughter.
“I wish I could have been there,” he said. “I sent him a text. I wrote a speech for him. Athletic Director (Greg) Magni read it for me. I’m really happy for Miguel. I had the privilege of coaching him for four years. I watched him grow. He’ll be a big contributor to UC Merced’s program.”
Serrano follows in the footsteps of Andres Velasquez by becoming just the second male soccer player from CVHS to earn a scholarship to a UC college.
“I always knew I was going to play at the next level,” Serrano stated. “It was just a matter of where. I continued to work hard and stayed consistent in how I played.”
“It’s a big accomplishment,” Garcia added.
Serrano drew interest from San Jose State prior to committing to UC Merced.
The Bobcats posted a 13-5-3 overall record, finished second in the California Pacific Conference with a 9-2-1 mark and advanced to the NAIA National Championship Tournament for the seventh year in a row.
UC Merced won all of its home games.
“I had a Division-I offer from San Jose State,” Serrano said. “Things didn’t work out. All three of their coaches retired. UC Merced reached out. They invited me for a visit. I fell in love with the school and coach.”
Serrano suited up for Central Valley’s boys soccer program for four seasons.
“Being able to play for CV was an honor,” said Serrano, a three-year starter who served as one of the Hawks’ team captains as a senior.
Serrano was voted the CCC’s Defensive Player of the Year during his final season with the Hawks.
He also earned first-team all-conference honors.
Serrano, a defensive midfielder, averaged 15 steals per game.
He tallied 10 assists and three goals.
Serrano filled a key role in leading Central Valley to a 21-7-1 overall record, first-place finish in the CCC (11-1-0) and Sac-Joaquin Section Division-I playoff berth.
“He became the backbone of our team,” Garcia said.
Serrano collected four goals and three assists sophomore year as the Hawks amassed an 18-7-2 record, placed second in the CCC (9-3-0) and advanced to the semifinals of the Division-II playoffs.
Serrano’s teams had a combined record of 63-28-11, won one league title and secured three playoff berths in four seasons.
“He was a big contributor to our success,” Garcia said. “He’s very intelligent. He positions himself well to recover the ball. He’s a very hard worker. He’s a very respectful player and person as well. He’ll be missed. He’ll be hard to replace.”
Serrano had a cumulative grade-point average of 3.5 at Central Valley.
“My parents have always pushed me to do my best in the classroom,” Serrano said. “The most challenging part is time management. Staying focused is a big character trait I have.”
Serrano will major in business economics at UC Merced.
“I want to be a veterinarian,” he said. “I want to have my own clinic.”
Serrano has dedicated the past 14 years of his life to soccer.
He played the sport for the first time at the age of four through the Ceres Youth Soccer Organization at Ceres River Bluff Regional Park.
“The reason I’ve continued to play soccer is I see this as a job,” he said. “I see myself playing professionally after college.”
Serrano gained valuable experience while playing for Sacramento United Academy in the Major League Soccer Next League junior year.
“It made me a better overall player and person,” Serrano said. “I was able to take that experience and contribute to my (high school) team this year.”
“You have to be talented to play for that team,” Garcia added.
