San Diego Unified & CIF-San Diego Host First Student Athlete Mental Health Summit
San Diego Unified School District, in partnership with CIF-San Diego Section and the San Diego City Conference Student Athlete Advisory Council (SAAC), will hosted more than 300 student-athletes for a Student Athlete Mental Health Summit on Thursday, February 19, 2026.
The summit is organized by San Diego Unified’s Student Wellness Education and Resources (SWEAR) Committee in collaboration with SAAC and CIF. The event is designed to center student voices while addressing the growing importance of mental health awareness and support among high school student-athletes.
Led by student leaders and supported by the district and athletic partners, the summit will bring together representatives from across schools representing various school districts throughout San Diego County for a morning of learning, discussion, and connection. The summit will focus on equipping students with practical tools to support their mental well-being both on and off the field.
“The event aligns with San Diego Unified’s goal of improving student wellness,” said Scott Giusti, Director of Athletics, Physical Education and Health for San Diego Unified. “Providing student athletes with tools to care for their mental health strengthens not only their performance, but their overall well-being and long-term success.”
Highlights of the summit include:
- A keynote speech from Alicia Guerrero, Aspiring Paralympian and San Diego State University (SDSU) Student Athlete
- A panel discussion featuring SDSU student athletes
- A data driven perspective presented by Katie Morrill, LCSW, Field Instructor, SDSU Athletic Department/Sport Social Work Program
- An interactive coping skills workshop focused on building practical coping skills
“This summit reflects our shared commitment to supporting the whole student-athlete,” said Joe Heinz, Commissioner of the CIF San Diego Section. “By centering student voices and prioritizing mental wellness, we are empowering young leaders with the tools they need to thrive in athletics, academics, and life.”
The summit underscores the collaborative efforts of San Diego Unified, the CIF San Diego Section, and the San Diego City Conference to foster safe, inclusive, and supportive athletic environments across San Diego County schools.