Celebrating the life of Stanford University standout Katie Meyer

Stanford Women’s Soccer gave me my best friends, my extended family. Ten of us were dropped off by our parents in front of Stern Hall to conquer the next four years together, and nearly 13 years since that day we’ve continued to support, confide in, and rely on each other. To think of losing someone that close to me is unimaginable.

If you’re in any way connected to women’s soccer, by this time you’ve likely heard of the passing of Stanford Women’s Soccer goalkeeper and captain Katie Meyer. Her death has sent shockwaves through every community she touched during her life, and she had a reach well beyond anything I could have imagined.

I can only guess at the pain those closest to her are experiencing, but I’m moved and inspired by the overwhelming public outpouring of support and love since her passing. Though I never met her, it has become clear that she gifted those in her life daily with joy, beaming smiles, and fierce loyalty.

As a Stanford Women’s Soccer alum, I was witness to or aware of some of Katie’s most impressive contributions in a Stanford jersey. She played with an intensity and passion that captured your attention and made you want to rally behind her.

Katie Meyer captured hearts in 2019

Most notably Katie Meyer rose to the occasion to make two saves in a PK shootout that led Stanford to the 2019 National Championship title. She was a hero to her teammates, to the university, and to all of the aspiring young players who viewed her with awe and reverence.

It was clear she was a strong and necessary presence on the team, but the impact she had in life stretched well beyond the confines of the soccer stadium.

The Orlando Pride and Kansas City Current of the NWSL circled up and embraced before Wednesday’s preseason match to honor Katie. Stanford Women’s Basketball wore Stanford Women’s Soccer shirts for their Pac-12 Conference match warm-up and wrote KM19 across their wristbands. The MLS offered condolences and expressed the importance of making mental health a priority. US Soccer posted, Just Women’s Sports posted, the Pac 12 posted, classmates and former teammates posted, and the list goes on.

Out of the public eye, Stanford teams have met to grieve together, former Stanford players have checked in on each other, and parents have had difficult conversations with their children.

Most heartbreaking was hearing Katie’s parents speak. On the Today Show, they opened up about their daughter’s suicide, expressed their pain, while emotionally breaking down as they wrestled with the juxtaposition of Katie’s outwardly joyful, larger-than-life personality and the cause of her death.

Though her death has been the cause of inordinate amounts of grief, it’s hard not to smile at the face looking back at you from every social media post and news article. A face that seemed to be full of life, full of love, and fully intent on living life to its fullest.