Florida Southwestern Women's Basketball entered the season with very little expectations. After going just 16-14 a year ago and making a coaching change in the offseason, many thought the Buccaneers would be in a rebuilding season. However, there is no rebuild in sight.
“People were kind of sleeping on us," new FSW head coach Jamie Fisher said. “Now that we’ve woke everybody up, they’re like dang.”
At the holiday break, Fisher has the Buccaneers at 11-3, on a 9-game win streak and up to number 18 in the NJCAA national rankings.
“The shock factor is over," Fisher continued. "I think we’re going to get everybody’s best.”
One of the major reasons why the Bucs are on their win streak is the play of Samantha Serrano. The true freshman point guard is leading the team with 17.7 points per game and has already brought home two player of the week awards.
“I feel like coming together as a team and learning each other, how we move and work together, it definitely helped us," Serrano said.
Succeeding for FSW athletics runs in Samantha's blood. She isn't the first Serrano to don the aqua and purple.
Samantha's older brother, Albert, was a star for FSW Baseball in 2023. In his one season with the Bucs, Albert was named the Southern Conference Defensive Player of the Year and hit seven homeruns to go along with 38 RBI's.
“FSW is just a great atmosphere," Albert said. "I had a great time playing there.”
Albert is now playing Division I baseball at Florida International University. However, when Samantha was looking for a school to play collegiate basketball at, Albert turned back the clock. He helped recruit his younger sister to his old stomping grounds — ultimately leading to Samantha signing with the Buccaneers.
“He told me to come here because he obviously liked the experience," Samantha said. “I trust him. He’s my brother. I came here because of him.”
“She’s like a female version of me," Albert added. "Unfortunately, I can’t make her games, but I’m watching online and everything.”
That family connection has helped Samantha immensely. She has already received multiple Division I scholarship offers and plans to play at the next level after her time at FSW.
Plus, there are even more Serrano on the way.
“There’s more to come," Samantha said. "I have two younger [brothers]. So we’re looking to bring them here and continue that legacy.”
So, get used to the name Serrano at FSW — Albert and Samantha are just the start.
Samantha and FSW Women's Basketball retake the hardwood after their holiday break on Saturday at 2 p.m. to take on Eastern Florida.