Jan Jessop, CIF San Diego Commissioner from 1996-2001 and one of the early advocates for girls sports, died away last week at age 88.

Jessop was the San Diego Section’s third commissioner, following Don Clarkson (1960-1976) and Kendall Webb (1976-1996). Jessop was followed by Dennis Ackerman (2001-2011), Jerry Schniepp (2011-2022) and current commissioner Joe Heinz.

Jessop, who was honored by the San Diego High School Coaching Legends Hall of Fame as a Bob Breitbard Meritorious Achievement Award Winner in 2003, started her career as a PE teacher at Valhalla High School before moving to Granite Hills and into administration.

“Jan served our organization with distinction for more than two decades — as assistant commissioner from 1976 to 1996 and as commissioner from 1996 until her retirem

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