Rick Heim, a Louisville native and longtime coach and teacher at Sacred Heart Academy, passed away this week, surrounded by his family and loved ones.
According to his family member, Rick Heim passed away after a courageous battle with stage four pancreatic cancer.
Rick Heim was diagnosed with a cancerous tumor affecting his duodenum and pancreas in 2024 and fought the battle courageously for a year.
Furthermore, the untimely death of Rick Heim has left a profound void in the lives of his family, friends, and loved ones.
He touched the lives of many athletes and students with his decades-long coaching and teaching career.
Many of his loved ones are paying tribute to the late Rick Heim and extending their heartfelt condolences to his family during this difficult time.
Sacred Heart Academy took to its official site to pay tribute to their longtime coach and teacher and wrote:
“Sacred Heart mourns the passing of Coach Rick Heim, a cherished teacher, coach, mentor, and a vital member of our community for 34 years. His presence, leadership, and compassion touched the lives of countless students, faculty, and staff throughout his remarkable career. His tireless dedication to developing his athletes was evident, as he often encouraged them with the mantra, “Don’t be a wish I had, be a glad I did.” He lived this philosophy daily, dedicating his life to uplifting others.Coach Heim left an indelible legacy on the Ursuline Campus, and his absence will be deeply felt.
Sacred Heart Academy
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him.”
Similarly, another added:
“Coach Heim wasn’t just a high school cross country coach—he was a mentor, motivator, and truly transformative presence in my life.Coach Heim’s legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched and the values he instilled in us. He will forever remain in my heart as a true inspiration and one of the most influential figures in my life journey.Rest in peace, Coach. Your impact continues through all of us who had the privilege of knowing you.”
Corrie Jeanne
Late Rick Heim Served as Cross Country Coach and Educator at SHA for 34 Years
Late Rick Heim was a cherished teacher, coach, mentor, and a vital member of Sacred Heart Academy for 34 years.
After graduating from Trinity High School and earning an education physique et sportive degree from the University of Louisville, Rick began his career as a cross-country and track coach at Sacred Heart Academy before transitioning into teaching.
Under his leadership, the SHA’s cross-country teams won several games. They earned honorable titles, including seven state championships, three runner-up titles, eleven regional titles, and seven individual state championships, as well as a track and field state championship.
For his remarkable coaching skills and dedication to the team, Rick Heim also won numerous accolades, including Coach of the Year and Hall of Fame.
He won the prestigious National Girls’ Cross Country Coach of the Year Award in 2014.
Recently, in February 2025, Rick Heim was inducted into the Louisville Catholic Sports Hall of Fame and was honored with the Courage in Faith Award for his commitment to athletics and his bravery during his battle with cancer.
He also left an unbeatable legacy on the Ursuline Campus.
Rick Heim is survived by his daughter, Alex Ann Heim, his siblings, father, and the whole family.
His daughter, Alex Ann Heim, who constantly supported Rick in his battle with cancer, took to her social media to pay tribute to her late father and wrote:
“He was not only a wonderful son, brother, teacher, and coach but also a wonderful father. We are heartbroken by this loss, but grateful for the time we had with him and the memories we’ll carry forever.Thank you to everyone who has supported us during this journey, your kindness means more than words can express.”
Alex Ann Heim
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Rick Heim was severely injured in a car accident in 1986 but was able to recover from a months-long coma and traumatic brain injury.
- His daughter, Alex Ann, is a former box office and marketing assistant at Studio Tenn Theatre Company and a former singer and guitarist at Kings Dominion.
