AJ "Coach" Irwin remembered as champion for Victoria College & UHV, on and off court

Who would have known a young man raised in Gonzales would circle back to leading student-athletes 20+ years later in small-town Texas to athletic successes they had not seen in decades? Let’s take a trip back to where it all started.

In the hallways of Victoria College and the classrooms of the University of Houston-Victoria, AJ "Coach" Irwin was more than a student, he was a force of nature. His impact wasn’t measured in personal accolades but in the lives he touched, the students he mentored, and the culture of excellence he helped create.

AJ’s journey wasn’t always clear-cut. Like many young adults, he found himself searching for direction. It was his mother who encouraged him to move to Victoria and try out for the basketball team at Victoria College, a decision that would not only change his life but also leave a lasting impact on both institutions.

Victoria College: A Legacy of Leadership

From the moment he stepped on campus, AJ transformed Victoria College basketball in two ways. His athletic leadership on the court helped the Pirates secure their first-ever Victoria College Conference Championship in 2011, but his academic achievements at the same time forever etched his name in the school’s history.

He earned the Academic Player of the Year Award in 2011 with a 4.0 GPA, proving that success in the classroom was just as important as success on the court. He served as head coach for the Victoria College Women’s Basketball Team, mentoring young athletes and instilling in them the same drive and discipline that fueled his own success.

AJ didn’t just win games, he built a culture of pursuit at Victoria College, one where students and athletes were expected to not only perform but pursue their highest level of life achievement.

University of Houston-Victoria: academic excellence & beyond

AJ’s commitment to education didn’t stop at Victoria College. He continued his journey at the University of Houston-Victoria (UHV), where he further cemented his reputation as a scholar, leader, and mentor. Graduating Magna Cum Laude in 2014 with a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies with a concentration in Mathematics, he set an example for student-athletes everywhere: greatness isn’t just earned on the court, but also in the classroom.

At UHV, AJ became part of the fabric of a growing institution that prided itself on developing future leaders. His story became a testament to the power of second chances and the importance of using education as a tool for change. He later earned his Master’s in Athletic Coaching from Northcentral University in 2019, further equipping himself with the knowledge and expertise to continue inspiring students, athletes, and aspiring leaders.

A mentor for generations

What made Coach Irwin different wasn’t just his talent — it was his heart. After his time at UHV, he devoted his life to coaching and mentoring young minds, working in schools across Texas, including Burnet CISD and Gonzales ISD.

His coaching accomplishments were numerous, leading Burnet High School varsity boys basketball to a district and bi-district championship in 2021-22, guiding Gonzales varsity girls basketball to their first playoff appearance since 2010, and revitalizing the Gonzales boys basketball program, which saw its most district wins since 2011. AJ also had a passion for teaching Special Education and going beyond his standard job responsibilities — he was even the Pep Rally DJ!

But beyond the wins and trophies, his legacy was built on helping students find their commitment to education, just as Victoria College and UHV had helped him find his. His message was clear, simple, and unforgettable.

Him: "What’s the goal?"
Them: "All A’s."

That mantra and mentality extended beyond the classroom and the gym. AJ’s passion for basketball carried him into the professional arena, playing for teams like Austin Rhythm and Sheffield’s OxfitBulldogs GB. His relentless pursuit of excellence was evident, whether he was coaching high school athletes to district championships, mentoring young players through club programs, or competing on the court himself. For “Coach Irwin” it was all about purpose first and winning second.

Hudson Bennett, one of Irwin’s many student atheletes, said “Coach Irwin taught me to see the bigger picture — not just in sports, but in life — turning every moment into a lesson, lifting others up, and inspiring me in ways that continue to shape who I am today.”

But AJ was more than an athlete and a coach — he was a community builder. In 2016, alongside his wife, Crissy, they became partial owners of the UBA Cedar Park Claws, a testament to his commitment to empowering others and creating opportunities.

A visionary in music

Even outside of sports, AJ made his mark. In the music industry, he became known as J. Gervin, an artist and producer who channeled his passion into creativity. Just as he did in sports, he used music as a platform to inspire, motivate, and connect with others.

AJ built a legacy in the music industry in the Crossroads, signing over a dozen artists and producing their albums — artists who otherwise may never have had an opportunity to get their music heard. He formed the music group “Toe Dropping Music”, bringing together a number of Crossroads artists to collaborate on projects that showcased their collective talent.

One of their most notable achievements was the mixtape "H.W.P.O. — Hard Work Pays Off," which amassed over 50,000 downloads. This success was just the beginning, as AJ and his team went on to produce several other albums and tour across the Southern United States.

To top it off, on the very day his battle with cancer ended, a song released through his record label, Concrete Music Group, hit #1 in the R&B category on Amazon. Even in passing, his influence continued to shape the world he loved.

His lasting impact on Victoria

AJ didn’t just pass through Victoria College and UHV — he helped shape their culture of perseverance, leadership, and academic excellence. His story inspired other students who were searching for direction, showing them that success was possible through discipline, mentorship, and education. This statement by one of his student athletes, Grace Gates, sums it up: “He raised up leaders in all of his students, shaping not just athletes, but confident and thoughtful individuals.”

Even as he battled his toughest opponent — cancer — he fought with the same resilience that defined his life, accompanied by his wife Crissy who stood by “through the rain” for over a decade. His passing at 37 left a void, but his impact will forever be a part of the legacy of Victoria College and UHV.

Today, as students walk the halls of Victoria College and UHV, they walk in the footsteps of AJ "Coach" Irwin — a champion, a mentor, and a leader who never stopped believing in the power of education, music, and perseverance.

What’s the goal?

All A’s.

Rest easy, Coach. Your impact lives on.