Jaxson Giusti – Mira Mesa HS and Kaitlyn Lohe – Dougherty Valley HS Recipients of the Inaugural CIF Student-Athlete Leadership Award

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. — Jaxson Giusti of Mira Mesa High School, San Diego, and Kaitlyn Lohe of Dougherty Valley High School, San Ramon, were selected as the recipients of the inaugural CIF Student-Athlete Leadership Award.

The CIF State Student-Athlete Leadership Scholarship Award recognizes one male and one female junior student-athlete who demonstrate leadership, service to their school and community, and a commitment to being a well-rounded student-athlete. Each will receive a $5,000 scholarship award. Additionally, they will attend the NFHS National Student Leadership Summit this summer and Executive Committee meetings throughout the school year.

“We are proud to announce Jaxson and Kaitlyn as the inaugural recipients of the CIF Student-Athlete Leadership Award,” said CIF Executive Director Ron Nocetti. “Their leadership, service, and commitment to excellence embody the values of education-based athletics and represent the very best of CIF student-athletes.”

Jaxson Giusti, Mira Mesa High School (San Diego Section)

Giusti is captain of the baseball and football teams at Mira Mesa High School (MMHS) and serves as president of both the San Diego City Conference Student-Athlete Advisory Council and the MMHS Student-Athlete Advisory Council. Additionally, he is a student ambassador for his school’s CTE program and is a student representative for the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. He also volunteers his time with the SDUSD middle school athletics program, mentoring young athletes, assisting coaches, and supporting numerous athletic clinics throughout the years.

“Through my leadership experiences, I have learned how to effectively represent the perspectives of all students while also understanding the responsibility of the adults who lead educational athletic programs,” states Giusti. “I am confident in my ability to serve as a strong representative for student-athletes on committees responsible for education-based athletics.”

Kaitlyn Lohe, Dougherty Valley High School, San Ramon (North Coast Section)

Lohe is captain of the soccer and flag football teams at Doughtery Valley High School (DVHS) and is also on the baseball team. She serves on the Campus Leadership Committee, the Athletics Leadership Team, is a Middle School leadership mentor/volunteer, and is a member of CSF. She is also involved in her community as an umpire for the San Ramon Valley Girls Athletic League and is a volunteer coach/mentor for the San Ramon Futbol Club.

“I have learned through my leadership roles and as a team captain, the importance of being a great listener and effective communicator, and how important it is to find a way to understand and relate to others to create success for everyone,” states Lohe. “I take pride in bringing people together and creating environments where individuals feel valued and heard.”