NCSA caught up with rising baseball star Justin Serrao about his high school career and the opportunity to compete at the next level.
NCSA: What motivates you before a big game?
Serrao: What motivates me before every game is a quote from Ted Williams, "There is at least one kid in the stands who hasn't seen me play; I owe him my best."
NCSA: What are you looking forward to if and when you get the opportunity to play at the collegiate level?
Serrao: Once I reach the college level I'm looking forward to playing in front of the big crowds. The first time someone actually pays to watch a good game of baseball and some of the best athletes in the country compete. I'm looking forward to the first time I walk in the locker room and see my number on the back of a jersey next to a polished pair of cleats. And the first time I step into the batters box with the stadium lights glaring on the infield grass. There isn't a better feeling in the world.
NCSA: Why did you get involved in baseball?
Serrao: Baseball is the only sport where you can fail 70% of the time and be great. At a young age I realized that I had a lot of baseball talent and the mind set to play the game. I learned that failure decides the average players and the above average players. If you can easily forget failure and not bring it up to your next at bat, you have a chance to be great. I love to play the game of baseball because it's one of the toughest sports to play and requires a lot of mental discipline and hours of preparation.
NCSA: Tell us about your interactions with college coaches so far.
Serrao: As a freshman I made the varsity team for Foothill HS in Pleasanton, CA. So, at an early age I was already being recognized by college scouts and coaches. Then, after my freshman year in HS, I joined NorCal which is one of the top traveling teams in the nation. Shortly after summer ball I began to receive a good amount of letters from college coaches.
NCSA: What are your goals athletically, academically and in your community for the rest of the school year?
Serrao: My main athletic goal is to help my team win NCS. We definitely have the team to win, but everyone needs to contribute for this to be successful. My academic goal for this year is to keep this years GPA. at 3.7.
NCSA: Tell us about what you've learned since being with NCSA.
Serrao: Since registering with NCSA, the biggest and most helpful tip I have learned is to be proactive. I can't wait to be seen by scouts and coaches just on my ability. I have to step above everyone else to get my name out there. I have to call coaches, send letters and e-mails and video. The best way to reach the next level is to show how much it really means to you and how far you will go to stand out from the rest.
