Gabriel Rojas, born on March 4th, 1976, in Corpus Christi, Texas, to Jose T. and Graciela Rojas, passed away on February 14th, 2026, at the age of 49, in the comfort of his home.

Coach Rojas was a humble and loving family man, who quickly captured the hearts of those who met him. His infectious smile and friendly greeting, “How you doing?”, made it impossible not to be drawn to him. A true servant to others, Coach Rojas embodied kindness and compassion. To know him was to love him.

Gabriel graduated from H.M. King High School in 1994 with honors, cherishing remarkable memories on the baseball diamond, including a notable victory with the team over an undefeated Robstown, where he and Albert Galindo pitched an absolute gem! Shortly after graduation, Gabriel enrolled at Texas A&M Kingsville, pursuing his long-held dream of becoming a coach—a dream he had harbored since he was 10. Despite encouragement from his father and brother Joe to try out for the Javelina Baseball team, he decided against it, prioritizing his studies by saying “No, Sir, I don’t think so, I don’t want to be distracted with anything that will keep me from graduating.” That decision took all but 5 seconds to make.

In 1999, Gabriel graduated from Texas A&M University-Kingsville with a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology and a minor in political science, earning honors in both the international honor society in education and the national political science honor society. Following graduation, he eagerly embraced his dream of coaching. He was no longer Gabriel Rojas but Coach Rojas. Becoming Coach Rojas was significant to him, representing respect, discipline, hard work, and integrity. He began his coaching journey in Robstown, Texas, as a junior high school football and girls' fast-pitch softball coach. His excitement was palpable, and he often expressed how “blessed” he felt throughout that school year.

The following year, Gabriel proudly donned the Robstown Cotton Pickers baseball uniform—the same worn by his hometown heroes—and had the honor of learning under the late Coach Steve Castro, a time he cherished deeply.

After two years in Robstown, Coach Rojas moved to Victoria, Texas, where he spent the next 20 years coaching softball, girls' basketball, football, cross country, and baseball. He became a Memorial Viper and later a Victoria West Warrior, forming lasting bonds with coaches, players, and the community. He affectionately referred to the people of Victoria as his second family, often expressing how “blessed” he felt for the relationships and experiences he gained.

Eventually, after two decades in Victoria, Coach Rojas felt the call to return home to Robstown. He embraced the opportunity to finish his coaching career where it all began, remarking, “I guess Dad is right, I bleed picker red.” He poured his heart into his work, consistently sharing his gratitude for the chance to teach and coach in Robstown. Being back home allowed him to indulge in his hobbies—sports, music, and precious family gatherings, especially on Sundays when they would watch games and enjoy meals together. He fondly reflected on trips with friends who felt like family, whether to New Orleans, Yankee Stadium, or Thanksgiving at AT&T Stadium, always expressing his gratitude and thanking God for those moments.

Gabriel took immense pride in his nephew, Coach Manny Rojas, and niece, Mari Martinez, when they both graduated from TAMUK University, celebrating their achievements and often throwing the “J’s up” with the Javelina pack. He also looked forward to the day when his other nephew, Jordan Lopez, would join their pack. He never forgot about his nephew Stephen Jay, and how Coach Rojas would always say, “someday, I'm gonna drive that guy around,” Frequently sharing his pride in SJ's accomplishments, including serving as student council president, and highlighting his continued academic excellence.

Gabriel cherished his nieces and nephews and eagerly anticipated the chance to coach alongside Manny in Robstown. When Manny was first hired, Gabriel felt a renewed sense of purpose and joy. Their first day on the field together was a touching moment, as he exclaimed, “I am blessed!” As a mentor, he instilled the values of humility in everything he did, always emphasizing that being humble and kind were essential traits for great coaching. He preferred to stay out of the spotlight, selflessly placing others before himself. While winning was gratifying, he believed that losing provided invaluable lessons. “We are not here just to make athletes; we are here to mold kids into outstanding young men,” he once said, capturing the essence of the Coach Rojas everyone admired.

Gabriel is preceded in death by his cherished grandfathers, Jose Zuniga Rojas Sr. and Dionicio V. Yruegas; his grandmothers, Juanita Arriza, Manuela Trevino, and Amalia Guerra; as well as his uncle, Oscar Yruegas, and cousin, Amalia Hope Larsen. While Gabriel's departure leaves a profound void, the love and memories he created will forever resonate in the hearts of his family and friends.

He is survived by his devoted parents, Jose Trevino and Graciela Rojas Jr., and his loving brothers: Jose Trevino Rojas III, Juan Miguel Rojas (Zoila Bailey), and Julian Javier Rojas. Gabriel also leaves behind his cherished nephews, Manuel Alejandro Rojas, Jordan (Araceli) Lopez, Stephen Jay Rojas, and Eloy Bailey, along with his beloved nieces, Mari (Fabian) Martinez and Larisa Garcia. 

A public viewing will be held at Turcotte Piper Mortuary on March 1, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM, with a rosary at 7:00 PM. Friends and family will gather to celebrate Gabriel’s life with a Funeral Mass at St. Martin Catholic Church on March 2, 2026, at 10:00 AM. Following the Mass, a graveside service will take place at Resthaven Cemetery.

Coach Rojas believed in always leaving a place better than how you found it. I strongly believe he did just that. We will all absorb your light and carry it for you, my loving brother.