Stanford University is set to honor the memory of former soccer star Katie Meyer by retiring her No. 19 jersey during a ceremony on Thursday evening, more than four years after her untimely death by suicide in 2022. This significant event will take place prior to the Stanford women's soccer team's match against USC, scheduled for 7 p.m.
Meyer’s passing ignited a nationwide dialogue surrounding student mental health, prompting legislative initiatives aimed at improving support systems for students involved in disciplinary actions. Since her death, no player has worn the number 19 for the Stanford women's soccer team, and the university's decision to retire it ensures that her legacy will be preserved.
A spokesperson from Stanford expressed that the retirement of Meyer’s jersey is a way to "remember her legacy." This gesture is particularly poignant as it aligns with the team’s designation of the match against USC as a "mental health awareness match," emphasizing the critical need for support for individuals facing mental health challenges.
Gina and Steve Meyer, Katie’s parents, are traveling to Stanford for the ceremony, where they will receive a framed jersey in honor of their daughter. Gina Meyer shared her emotions about the event, stating, "I’m probably going to cry. I’m sure I will. I hope to feel Katie’s presence. I hope that she knows how loved she was." The couple described the jersey retirement as both a significant and emotional milestone.
The Stanford soccer community continues to mourn the loss of Meyer, who was instrumental in leading the team to a College Cup championship in 2019 with her exceptional goalkeeping skills. Tragically, her life came to an end following a series of events that included disciplinary threats from the university related to an incident in 2021, where she defended a teammate by spilling coffee on a Stanford football player accused of sexual assault.
For the Meyer family, the ceremony represents a chance to celebrate Katie’s life rather than dwell on her tragic death. Steve Meyer remarked, "We struggle every day with our grief. But what we’re trying to do is move forward from how she passed away and celebrate how she lived." In the wake of their loss, the Meyers established Katie’s Save, a nonprofit organization focused on collegiate mental health, and have been advocates for the implementation of Katie Meyer’s Law.
In 2024, California passed legislation known as "Katie Meyer’s Law," which mandates that public colleges and universities in the state provide access to independent advisers for students facing disciplinary actions. The Meyer family also pursued a wrongful death lawsuit against Stanford, which was settled out of court.
Former teammate Andrea Kitahata expressed hope that the jersey retirement will serve as a reminder of the ongoing need for mental health support among athletes. She stated, "I think it’s always going to be about destigmatizing mental health and offering support to people when they need it. And that’s going to be a continued conversation. And it continues into the pros as well."
Fans attending the ceremony are encouraged to be seated 15 minutes before kickoff on Thursday evening, as the Stanford community comes together to remember Katie Meyer and advocate for mental health awareness.
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