Michael Hernandez (’15), a former student-athlete and Studio Art major at Houston Christian University, has added published author to his growing list of accomplishments. His new book, “Before You Go: Life Advice for the Rising Generation,” is a faith-based guide for high school and college-aged young adults, offering practical wisdom and spiritual grounding for life’s next steps.

Drawing from his years in the classroom, Hernandez was inspired to write his new book to empower students at transformative points in their lives. “Over the years, I saw how many young people lacked healthy mental frameworks, practical habits and wholesome relationship practices,” he shared. “This book is my response to that—a Christ-based manual for life that helps young adults stay centered, resilient and hopeful.”

In his book, he emphasizes the importance of prioritizing faith first, then family, then community. This served as the blueprint for Hernandez’ own journey—a journey where faith has been both a compass and a lifeline. “From that foundation of faith, your family will flourish and from that stronghold, you can make your community a better place. The more people do this, the better this world will be,” shared Hernandez.

The HCU alumnus’ story is one of legacy as well as personal growth. His father, Xavier Hernandez, also an HCU alumnus and former student-athlete, has had a long and impactful career in baseball. Hernandez, a former MLB pitcher who spent 10 years in the major leagues and later served as a minor league pitching coach for the Tampa Bay Rays, also pitched for the Houston Astros, Texas Rangers, Cincinnati Reds, New York Yankees, and Toronto Blue Jays. He earned degrees in psychology and sociology from HBU after playing collegiately at Louisiana-Lafayette and is now in his 11th season of his second stint as an assistant baseball coach at HCU.

As a student at HCU (then HBU), Michael balanced the demands of NCAA Division I athletics while pursuing a Studio Art degree. “One major standout moment for me was the Spring of 2015 when the Huskies baseball team made history with our first NCAA Regional appearance after winning the Southland Conference Championship,” he said.

He also values the connections made with fellow art students in the studio. “My favorite memories as an artist were late nights with my studio mates Juan Mejia and Paige Stilen. We pushed each other creatively—it was such a positive, collaborative environment.”

After graduation, the HCU alum spent five years working in the logistics industry alongside former baseball teammate Samm Wiggins (’15) and his family. In 2021, he returned to his creative roots and stepped into education, first as an art teacher at a small Christian school in Sugar Land, and currently at Travis High School in Fort Bend ISD, where he also coaches baseball.

Grounded in both his personal and professional life, Hernandez and his wife of 13 years are raising four children with a shared commitment to faith and family. “We don’t have a TV in the house,” he says. “We spend our time being active, praying, playing games, and reading together.”

Though he acknowledges seasons of struggle and spiritual distance during his college years, he credits HCU’s Christ-centered curriculum and key mentors—David Moss, Russell Stockton, and Michael Roque Collins—for helping guide him back to a deeper faith. “Even in my wandering, they pointed me toward truth, beauty and goodness.”

Hernandez gives sage advice to current students and recent graduates: “Start healthy habits early. Take your faith formation seriously—because when life gets hard, your faith will be your stronghold.”

In addition to “Before You Go,” the HCU alumnusi has authored “Semper Creo,” a sketchbook designed to encourage consistent creative thinking and artistic expression. He hopes both works can one day be part of HCU’s bookstore or incorporated into campus ministries and the School of Art curriculum.

We celebrate Hernandez’s accomplishments not only as an artist, educator and coach, but now as a published author, using his gifts to make a lasting impact—continuing a proud family legacy at HCU.

“Before You Go” can be ordered on Amazon: https://a.co/d/hS7hWxs. For more information, visit his author website at www.firesidewords.com.