The Stanford community suffered an unimaginable loss. Our thoughts and love are with Katie’s family and friends. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/3qXOyx7atO
– Stanford Athletics (@GoStanford) March 2, 2022
The cause of death was not immediately identified. Brubaker-Cole revealed on Monday that an unidentified student had died at a campus residence and that police said there was no “continuing threat to the safety of those on campus”.
Stanford administrators hailed Mayer as “extremely committed to everything and everyone in their world.”
Noting the availability of resources to support those on campus affected by Mayer’s death, they said: “We can all help by checking out friends and family. Take care of yourself and each other. Together we will mourn this great loss and be here for each other. “
In Stanford’s triumph in 2019, Mayer made several saves on penalties to lead his team to a 5-4 victory over North Carolina after a draw without a result in the regulations and overtime. She attracted national attention with a demonstration after her second rescue.
When ESPN’s Twitter post about the rescue a few months later sparked some derogatory comments, Mayer tweets: “Some difficult answers below this… but if you tell my 9 year old gk I that ESPNFC will show SAVE SHE MADE? I think he will find a way to overcome a few vicious comments. girlish strength forever. “
some difficult answers below this …
but if you tell my 9 year old-gk I that ESPNFC will show SAVE SHE MADE? I think she will find a way to overcome a few vicious comments. girlish strength forever.ᵃˡˢᵒ ᵗʰᵉ ᶜᵒᵐᵐᵉⁿᵗˢ ᵃʳᵉⁿᵗ ᵉᵛᵉⁿ ᵗʰᵃᵗ ᶜʰᵃᵗ ᶜʳᵃᵗ ᶜʳᵃᵗ ᶜʳᵃᵗ ᶜʳᵃᵗ ᶜʳᵃᵗ ᶜʳᵉᵱ
– Katie Mayer (@ kdmeyer19) April 5, 2020
A teenager in a red shirt last season, Meyer helped Cardinal reach the NCAA Tournament for the 23rd time in 24 years. She set a 13-6-1 record in 20 games, and her goals against an average of 0.91 were fifth in the Pac-12.
Before starting his career at Stanford, Meyer competed in the US U16 national team and participated in indoor camps with the U17 and U18 teams. According to her school biography, she was born in Burbank, California, and graduated from high school in nearby Thousand Oaks, where she graduated second in her class. In addition to his parents, Mayer left behind an older sister and a younger sister.
The tragic news provoked an outpouring of emotions and respect from the football community. The National Women’s Football League offered its “deepest condolences”, and US Soccer said: “The thoughts and hearts of the entire US Football Federation are with Katie Meyer’s family, friends, teammates and relatives.”
“You will miss your amazing heart and smile,” tweeted Lauren Sesselman, an Olympic medalist and former member of the Canadian national team.
Ahead of Wednesday’s preseason game, members of the NWSL Orlando Pride and Kansas City Cant gathered in the central round to share a moment in Mayer’s honor.
“Katie was a legend on and off the field, she was a leader and her infectious energy and smile carried over into everything she did,” the Stanford women’s basketball team, which describes Mayer as “one of our biggest supporters.” said in a statement.
“We love and miss you,” the team wrote. “Stanford is not and never will be the same without you.”