Warren High coach and Unified Sports student honored by CIF Southern Section

Natalia Vela and Zaiid Leflore

DOWNEY — Warren High School’s coach Zaiid Leflore and Unified Sports student-athlete Natalia Vela were recognized by the California Interscholastic Federation-Southern Section (CIF-SS) at the annual Dr. Jim Staunton Champions for Character Awards Ceremony in late September.

Coach Leflore received a Champions for Character – Coach Award, and Vela earned the 2025 Commissioner’s Award, the only student-athlete who received this award across the entire Southern Section this year.

The CIF Southern Section is the largest section in the nation, serving more than 550 member schools. For 2025, only 12 student-athletes and 10 coaches were selected for Champions for Character recognition, underscoring just how selective this honor is.

The Commissioner’s Award is bestowed upon only one student-athlete section wide each year, highlighting Vela’s exemplary integrity, leadership, and impact both on and off the field.

Administered by the CIF-SS Ethics in Sports Committee, the Champions for Character program celebrates individuals across the Southern Section who exemplify the Six Pillars of Character: Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring, and Citizenship.

“As a Character Counts! District, Zaiid and Natalia embody what Downey Unified stands for - excellence with character,” said Dr. Roger Brossmer, Superintendent of Downey Unified. “Their commitment to integrity, inclusion, and teamwork elevates Warren High and inspires our entire community.”

Coach Leflore’s recognition reflects years of mentorship and service to Warren student-athletes, while Vela’s Commissioner’s Award celebrates her leadership in Unified Sports, where students with and without intellectual disabilities compete together, building belonging, confidence, and school pride.

“Unified Sports changes lives,” added Dr. Cari White, Principal of Warren High School. “Natalia’s honor affirms the power of inclusion and the dedication of our coaches, educators, and student-leaders who make this work possible.”

Downey Unified’s Unified Sports program continues to expand opportunities across campuses districtwide in alignment with the district’s vision of “Our Kids Deserve the Best…”