SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - Twin Rivers Unified is pleased to announce the promotion of two high school coaches at Highlands High School and the hiring of two new coaches at Foothill High School. We are confident their expertise will greatly benefit our student-athletes and strengthen our programs.

Jeff Champ will be taking the reigns as the head golf coach at Foothill High School. Champ is a Foothill High School graduate, class of 1985 (he was also a 40-year resident in the North Highlands and Foothill Farms communities). Champ played baseball at American River College and San Diego State University. He was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in 1988 and played for two years in the minor leagues. As a co-founder of the Cameron Champ Foundation, Champ is dedicated to creating opportunities for underserved youth, ensuring they have access to the resources necessary for success. Champ’s son, Cameron, is a three-time winner on the PGA tour. 

Also at Foothill High School, Mike Heller has been named as head baseball coach. A graduate of Garden City Collegiate High School in Winnipeg, Canada, Heller has coached both high school and championship youth baseball teams. He has also had a long career as an amateur and professional umpire.

At Highlands High School, Malik Reed will take over as the head coach for girls’ varsity basketball. Reed grew up in a military family in the Sacramento/North Highlands area. He’s the former junior varsity girls head basketball coach at Highlands. Malik has been coaching basketball for the past 15 years, including with Amateur Athletic Union (AAU).

Lastly, Jimmy Mersal has been named as the new head coach for boys’ varsity soccer at Highlands High School. As the former interim varsity boys head soccer coach at Highlands, Mersal brings a wealth of experience to the field. He has the distinction of being a former member of the Junior National Team, further enriching his soccer expertise and understanding of the game at a competitive level.

We look forward to the positive changes the coaches will bring to our programs and the lasting impact they will have on our student-athletes.