The University of South Alabama men's tennis program added two newcomers to the roster in the fall. One of the two newcomers is senior Samuel Serrano, from Cartagena, Colombia. Serrano spoke with USAJaguars.com about his decision to come to South, the team this year and his goals for the season.
 
When and why did you start playing tennis?
"My whole family plays. When I was very young, my dad was always teaching me how to play and took me to the tennis courts. It's kind of like a family tradition. I always looked up to my brothers because they were very good. They played at East Tennessee State. I was always proud of them so I wanted to reach their level and be as good they are."
 
Why did you transfer from Utah State to South Alabama?
"I realized that my tennis was probably better at sea level. I wanted to go to a school that was warm and at sea level so I could play outside. I really didn't like playing indoors or on the fast courts up in Utah. Those were the main reasons."
 
What kind of influence have your brothers had on your tennis career to play NCAA tennis?
"When they did it, they enjoyed it. They wanted me to do it because they thought it was a good opportunity to come study here (the United States) and get a scholarship to play tennis. They didn't want me to go to the same university they went to because they knew everything about it. They wanted me to try something new and different."
 
Before starting school in the United States, did you have any experience in the country?
"I went to a tennis academy in South Carolina and I spent a year in Atlanta at an academy with a friend. I was used to American culture. I adapted to it pretty fast and I liked it. I learned the language at a young age. It helped me be able to express myself easily when I came here for the first time."
 
What is your favorite thing about South Alabama?
"The weather. I really like the warm weather. It keeps me happy and I am always in a good mood when the sun's out. This is the same weather as it is back home, very humid. It gives me the feeling like I'm back home."
 
What's it like coming to a team that won a Sun Belt Championship and an NCAA Tournament match last season?
"I was looking for a team that was as good as Utah State or better. I wanted to continuing playing for a high-level team. I love the sport and didn't really want to go to a Division II school where the tennis might not be as good. That was another consideration, looking for a team that made it to the NCAAs. I'm excited for the season and I hope we make it again this year."
 
What goals do you have individually and as a team for this season?
"Individually. I want to play as high in the lineup as I can. As a team, we want to win a conference championship and make it deep in the NCAA Tournament as possible and go to the Indoor Championship at the beginning of the season."
 
QUICK HITS
Favorite tennis player: Novak Djokovic
Favorite movie: "Lord of the Rings"
Favorite sports team: Colombian National Soccer Team
Favorite sport other than tennis: Basketball
 
Join the Baseline Club, the tennis-specific support club of the Jaguar Athletic Fund. All donations to the Baseline Club go directly to support the South Alabama men's and women's tennis programs. For more information on how you can join visit: http://jaguarathleticfund.com/baselineclub
 
For more information about South Alabama athletics, check back with www.usajaguars.com, and follow the Jaguars at www.twitter.com/USAJaguarSports. Season tickets for all Jaguar athletic events can be purchased by calling (251) 461-1USA (1872).
 
—USA—