Rick Heim, Beloved Sacred Heart Academy Coach, Dies After Battle with Pancreatic Cancer in Louisville, KY
Rick Heim, a cherished cross country and track coach at Sacred Heart Academy in Louisville, KY, passed away after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer on September 15, 2025. Known for his faith, strength, and unwavering dedication, Rick leaves behind a lasting legacy that shaped the lives of countless students and athletes over his remarkable 34-year career.
A graduate of Trinity High School, Rick began coaching cross country and track before transitioning into teaching. Under his leadership, Sacred Heart’s cross country program flourished, earning seven state championships, three runner-up titles, and numerous regional honors. His athletes fondly remember his motto, "Don’t be a wish I had, be a glad I did," which embodied his belief in perseverance, joy, and dedication to success.
Rick’s passion for coaching and teaching earned him the title of National Girl’s Cross Country Coach of the Year in 2014. His exceptional career culminated in his 2025 induction into the Louisville Catholic Sports Hall of Fame.
Rick’s remarkable resilience, especially after surviving a near-fatal accident in 1986, continued to inspire everyone who knew him. His spirit, his energy, and his teachings will forever remain a part of Sacred Heart Academy.
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