September 24, 2026

On behalf of the San Diego City Conference (SDCC) Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) members,

Today we speak not only as student members of the San Diego City Conference and CIF San Diego Section- Student Athlete Advisory Committee, but on behalf of the thousands of San Diego Section high school athletes who were positively impacted by the kindness, support and leadership of our Commissioner, Joe Heinz.

Commissioner Heinz will always be remembered not only as a Commissioner but as a person who motivated and believed in the students. He knew that beyond the sports, games, and scoreboards there was a strong need for leadership and voice and that could look different depending on every situation. Commissioner Heinz understood that every student athlete came with a story, a family and a dream.

We were very fortunate to have Joe Heinz as our CIF San Diego Section Commissioner, we learned so much from him that we will continue to share with other student athletes. He championed making us leaders and encouraging us to find our voice not only in San Diego but also as leaders in the State. Because of Commissioner Heinz we understand that as student athletes our voice matters and we are able to speak up, contribute, plan and make a difference for all student athletes. Commissioner Heinz was big on sportsmanship and students’ education. He shared with us his desire for collaborative leadership, more mental health resources in support of the whole student athlete, and that he wanted to help increase opportunities for female athletes.

Commissioner Heinz, we promise to honor your legacy and the way you led as CIF Commissioner, we will always remember you as the leader that served, treated others with kindness and will continue to advocate and be the voice for high school athletes.

On behalf of the SDCC SAAC, we are sending love to all of Commissioner Heinz’s family and from the bottom of our hearts we thank you for sharing him with us.

Rest in peace Commissioner Heinz, you will be dearly missed but never forgotten.

With gratitude and respect,

The San Diego City Conference Student Athlete Advisory Council

Jaxson Giusti – President

Pearl Plaskonos – Vice President

Joselyn Olea – Secretary

Charlotte Wickstrand – Treasurer

Jamarion Lovell Hall – Public Relations

Emma Cunningham – Wellness Officer

Addie Hughes – Marketing Chair