Goose Creek CISD April 2024

cover story

memorial

LITTLE BIG MAN ROJAS BIG PIECE TO PATRIOTS’ SUCCESS

\\ Matt Malatesta

WHEN SEBASTIAN ROJAS SUITS UP FOR THE GOOSE CREEK MEMORIAL PATRIOTS BASEBALL TEAM AND HUSTLES AROUND THE DIAMOND, ONE THING COMES TO MIND IMMEDIATELY… HOUSTON ASTRO JOSE ALTUVE. “I get that a lot because of my size,” the three-year starter said. “I guess it’s a blessing of sorts, but it’s really easy to get looked over. I really want to play college baseball, but it’s just going to take that one coach to give me a chance because of my size.” But, you can’t measure a man by his stature. Besides being a stud at shortstop, Rojas is an exemplary student in the classroom. “I’m in the Top 10-percent,” he softly said. “Grades are really important, and I really do it for my parents. I want to be able to pay for college through scholarships, and academics can do that. Honestly, school just comes naturally to me, especially math. I’d like to be an accountant or a financial planner when I get older.” Rojas is the engine behind the Pats’ success. “I don’t have any individual goals in particular. I just want to lead my team to the playoffs and do better than last season,” he said. “It’s been really special playing here and I’m really going to miss playing with my guys. We’ve been playing together for what seems like forever.” His parents, who played baseball and softball, introduced Rojas to the game at a young age. “They threw me into baseball to keep me busy,” he laughed. “But they have been my inspiration on this journey. Them and my Grandpa, who passed when I was a freshman. His memory keeps me motivated.” The self-proclaimed “family guy”, is the middle child. His brother played and his sister, Danielle, will next year. Softball, right? “No, she’s going to try out for baseball,” he said. “She’s pretty good and has been around the game a long time with us boys.” That’s just like a Rojas to beat the odds.

gccisd.net // APR 2024 // GOOSE CREEK CISD // 11