Stanford footballer Katie Meyer dies aged 22

“We are extremely saddened to learn of the passing of Katie Meyer, a beloved, talented and respected Santa Clara County student, athlete and resident,” the statement read (via People). “The Medical Examiner-Coroner sends his deepest condolences to the family, friends and fans of Katie Meyer.”

“Katie was a shining light to so many on the court and in our community,” two Stanford officials, athletic director Bernard Muir and vice provost for student affairs Susie Brubaker-Cole, said in a joint statement Wednesday. . “There are no words to express the emptiness we feel right now.”

Brubaker-Cole revealed on Monday that an unidentified student had died in an on-campus residence hall and that police said there was “no continuing threat to the safety of anyone on campus.”

Stanford administrators hailed Meyer as “extraordinarily committed to everything and everyone in her world”.

Noting the availability of support resources for those on campus affected by Meyer’s death, they said, “We can all help by checking in on friends and loved ones. Take care of yourself and each other. We will mourn this great loss together and we will be there for each other.

In Stanford’s 2019 triumph, Meyer made two saves in a shootout to lead his team to a 5-4 win over North Carolina after a scoreless draw in regulation and overtime. She captured national attention for a demonstrative celebration after her second stoppage.

When an ESPN message on Twitter several months later prompted derogatory comments, Meyer tweeted: “Some tough answers under this one… but if you told my 9 year old gk that the ESPNFC would show a SAVE SHE MADE? I think she would find a way to get over some mean comments. girl power forever .

As a redshirt junior last season, Meyer helped the Cardinal reach the NCAA Tournament for the 23rd time in the past 24 years. She went 13-6-1 in 20 games, and her 0.91 goals-against average was fifth in the Pac-12.

Prior to embarking on his career at Stanford, Meyer competed on the U.S. National Under-16 Team and attended national camps with the U17 and U18 teams. According to her school biography, she was born in Burbank, California and went to high school in nearby Thousand Oaks where she graduated second in her class. In addition to her parents, Meyer leaves behind an older sister and a younger sister.

The tragic news sparked a wave of emotion and tributes from the football community. The National Women’s Soccer League offered its “deepest condolences”, and US Soccer said, “The thoughts and hearts of the entire US Soccer Federation go out to the family, friends, teammates and loved ones of Katie Meyer.

“Your amazing heart and smile will be missed,” tweeted Lauren Sesselmann, a former Canadian National Team Olympic medalist.

Ahead of a preseason game on Wednesday, NWSL members Orlando Pride and Kansas City Current gathered at center circle to share a moment in Meyer’s honor.

“Katie was a legend on and off the court, she was a leader, and her infectious energy and smile reverberated through everything she did,” said the Stanford women’s basketball team, which has described Meyer as “one of our biggest supporters.” said in a press release. Before a Pac-12 Tournament game on Thursday against Oregon State, Stanford players took to the field to carry T-shirts featuring the women’s soccer team logo and wristbands featuring Meyer’s initials and jersey number.

“We love you and miss you,” the team wrote in the statement. “Stanford is not and never will be the same without you.”