Bossier High's David Rojas is ‘mi favorito’ on, off the soccer field
The son of immigrants who ventured into the USA with little more than pocket change, Bossier High’s David Rojas is a young man who carries himself in a special way and leaves an indelible impression.
Just ask Bearkat teacher Cil Guerrero about Rojas, one of the best athletes on Bossier’s No. 4 seeded Division III soccer team.
“David is remarkable. He’s smart, kind, responsible, talented and fun,” said Guerrero, who calls Rojas ‘mi favorito’ despite having her son in the same AP calculus class. “I will never forget the impact David has had on my life and my classroom.”
Rojas has also impacted the Bearkat soccer team under the direction of Orlando Medellin. The Kats have compiled a 69-13-9 record over the past four seasons advancing to the LHSAA quarterfinals, semifinals and state championship game in successive seasons. He scored both goals in Monday’s 2-0 regular season finale against Sterlington, while the Bearkats open the postseason at home at 5 p.m. Thursday against No. 29 seed Port Allen.
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"Prioritizing God in all he does, David is always willing to go above and beyond to help others," Medellin said. "David is a naturally born leader and disciplined by nature. He knows what he wants out of life."
Veronica Hiracheta and Jose Rojas left Mexico for the US in the early 2000s and went through a period of living with friends as they built a foundation and family. Veronica went to work cleaning homes, while Jose took construction and landscaping jobs. In 2020, Jose fell out of a tree while trimming a limb and broke his leg, setting the family back and forcing David to step up his game.
“His chainsaw got stuck and when he tried to pull it out, he lost his balance and landed wrong,” Rojas said. “I had to do most of the things around the house and change my mentality most importantly.”
Rojas was directed into soccer as a 4-year-old by his older brother, Miguel Hernandez, who worked him out on a field and created a passion for the sport that yet to wane. It’s become a part of who he is. In addition to his family, Rojas has leaned on Medellin, who has set an easy example to follow from a young man who hasn’t always followed the correct path.
“Coach Orlando is a man I can trust with anything because he has always been there in times of need making sure my family and I are doing well,” Rojas said. “He is an honorable coach who puts others before him.”
Medellin’s guidance was needed during Rojas’ junior year when the teenager began making rash decisions and being stubborn. He wasn’t thinking about how his decisions would affect others.
“I was being ignorant, and it wasn’t until I had an encounter with God that my life completely changed. I was willingly disobeying and betraying my parents’ trust,” Rojas said.
In August, Rojas attended a Christian retreat that he wasn’t initially interested in attending.
“But when I entered the building, I could feel God’s presence and I’ve wanted to know more ever since,” he said. “My life as an athlete and person as a whole is dedicated to glorifying and honoring God.”
Now, he’s a leader in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, plays the drum at his church, is a member of Bossier’s Green Jacket Ambassadors and the National Honor Society.
Rojas will graduate in May with a degree and a foundation that will allow him to be successful in his next endeavor. He’d like to play soccer collegiately, if the opportunity presents itself, and he’ll study kinesiology in hopes of becoming a sports medicine physician or physical therapist.
The modest beginning of his family has given Rojas a perspective not many young people can duplicate.
“My parents really made the most out of what they had and put in a lot of hard work to get where they are now,” Rojas said. “Being successful to me is more than just making a lot of money. I believe you become successful when you’re able to provide for your family and get closer to God.”
And he continues to impact others, according to Guerrero.
“As a teacher, you pray to make a difference in one student’s life every day, and I hope I have done that for David,” she said. “But I know he has changed my life in immeasurable ways. He will always be ‘mi favorito!”
Jimmy Watson covers Louisiana sports for the USA TODAY Network. Email him at jwatson@shreveporttimes.com and follow him on Twitter @JimmyWatson6.
David Rojas file
Greatest fear: “Career-ending injury”
Country he’d visit: France
Favorite series: The Chosen
Favorite subject: English
Favorite restaurant: Waffle House
Go-to app: Peacock
Most impactful teacher: “Ms. Cecile Guerrero. She’s a teacher that everyone loves.”
Historical person he’d like to dine with: “Jesus. I have so many questions and I would love to think how he thinks.”
Person he most admires: “My mom because she’s always sacrificing herself for her kids. The work that she does is unbelievable to me.”
This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: LHSAA soccer: Bossier soccer standout David Rojas leads playoff team
