Title: USWNT Players Honor Late Teammate Katie Meyer’s Memory at 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup
Date: July 19, 2023
The United States women’s national soccer team’s forward Sophia Smith has expressed that every move she and defender Naomi Girma make during the ongoing FIFA Women’s World Cup is a tribute to their former Stanford teammate, Katie Meyer. Meyer, along with Smith and Girma, was a vital part of Stanford University’s national-championship-winning soccer team in 2019 but tragically died by suicide in March 2022.
The devastating loss of Meyer has had a profound and far-reaching impact on her family and the Stanford community. In an effort to prevent such tragedies in the future, Meyer’s parents, Steve and Gina, are advocating for colleges to adopt “Katie’s Save,” a policy that allows college students to choose a trusted adult ‘Designated Advocate’ who would be notified and provide support when needed the most.
Girma and Smith have taken significant steps to honor Meyer’s memory and raise awareness about mental health issues. On Tuesday, Girma penned an emotional tribute to Meyer titled “This is For Katie” in The Players Tribune, where she described Meyer as a true friend in every sense of the word. Moreover, Girma, Smith, Sofia Huerta, and other members of the USWNT have collaborated with Common Goal to launch a mental health initiative during the World Cup. The initiative will feature a three-part series and various public service announcements that aim to save lives.
Speaking to reporters, Smith acknowledged that the passing of Meyer is still a topic she grapples with emotionally. She expressed her appreciation for the support the team and the Players Tribune have given her in discussing Meyer’s memory, bringing her more happiness. The constant reminders on social media can be challenging, but Smith emphasized that everything they do now is in Meyer’s honor.
Smith also highlighted the importance of managing mental health during the tournament, stating that leaning on teammates and understanding they are all in this together is crucial. She mentioned deleting Twitter as the best decision she has made and focused on finding a balance between off-field responsibilities and the team’s primary goal – winning the World Cup for the third consecutive time.
As the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup progresses, the USWNT’s dedication to honoring Katie Meyer’s memory and creating a positive impact on mental health serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing mental health issues in sports and society.
In conclusion, Girma and Smith’s commitment to remembering their late teammate and raising awareness about mental health demonstrates the powerful influence athletes can have beyond the world of sports. Their efforts aim to ensure that Katie Meyer’s legacy is not forgotten and that her tragic passing can spur positive change in the lives of young athletes struggling with mental health issues.