Livingstone College is mourning the loss of softball student-athlete Gabriella Muñoz, the school announced Friday. Muñoz, a rising junior from Katy, Texas, was a member of the Livingstone College Blue Bears softball program and wore No. 55 as a utility player.
In announcing her passing, Livingstone remembered her not only for her contributions on the field but also for the impact she made throughout the campus community.
“Gabriella represented the very best of Livingstone College,” the school said in a statement. “While her athletic abilities made her a valuable competitor, it was her bubbly personality, gentle spirit, and genuine kindness that truly distinguished her. Her infectious smile, positive outlook, and caring heart brought light to every room she entered and left a lasting impression on teammates, coaches, classmates, faculty, staff, and friends.”
Away from the softball field, Muñoz excelled academically. She earned Dean’s List honors during both semesters of the 2025-26 academic year, posting a 4.0 GPA each semester while maintaining a 3.75 cumulative GPA. She also was selected as a Livingstone College Board of Trustees Scholarship recipient. Livingstone said Muñoz embodied the ideals of a student-athlete by balancing academic excellence with collegiate athletics while approaching every opportunity with “humility, grace, and quiet determination.”
Blue Bears softball coach Steve Wallace reflected on the loss, calling Muñoz an integral part of the program.
“I am completely heartbroken by the passing of Gabriella. She was a complete joy to have as a part of the program. A great athlete and an even better student. The program will miss her immensely and her absence will be felt,” Wallace said.
The college said Muñoz’s legacy will endure through the example she set both on and off the field.
“Although Gabriella’s time with us was far too short, her impact will endure,” the statement read. “She leaves behind a legacy of academic excellence, athletic determination, unwavering kindness, and Blue Bear pride that will continue to inspire our community for years to come.”
Livingstone College is mourning the loss of softball student-athlete Gabriella Muñoz, the school announced Friday. Muñoz, a rising junior from Katy, Texas, was a member of the Livingstone College Blue Bears softball program and wore No. 55 as a utility player.
