The college soccer world suffered a devastating loss when Stanford announced the death of 22-year-old star goalkeeper Katie Meyer on Wednesday. In the initial statement from Stanford, the cause of death wasn’t given.
Katie’s parents, Gina and Steve, showed incredible strength by sharing their thoughts on their daughter’s death with the Today Show on Friday, explaining her death was by suicide. Gina Meyer said they had spoken to Katie hours before her death and her daughter seemed to be doing well.
“She was excited and she had a lot on her plate, and she had a lot going on, but she was happy. She was in great spirits,” Gina Meyer said.
“She was the usual, jovial Katie,” added Katie’s father, Steve Meyer.
The only guess the parents had as to what could have caused Katie so much distress was that she was potentially facing disciplinary action from Stanford. The star goalkeeper had defended a teammate on campus over an incident.
The rest of the interview is heartbreaking. Gina wore Katie’s sweatshirt during the interview because she wanted to be close to her daughter.
Katie Meyer’s Parents Interview
The parents of Stanford University soccer star Katie Meyer are speaking out about her death by suicide with the hopes of helping other families. @stephgosk reports. https://t.co/hXTTpM7RWS pic.twitter.com/sPJReGPSD3
— TODAY (@TODAYshow) March 4, 2022
Katie’s loss had been felt across U.S. soccer with multiple teams recognizing her loss.
Katie Meyer, forever in our hearts
We will observe a moment of silence before today's match and the #U20WYNT is wearing "KM" on their wrist tape in her memory. pic.twitter.com/PiLbHSf2yu— U.S. Soccer YNT (@USYNT) March 4, 2022
Our deepest condolences go out to the family of Katie Meyer.
Mental health is a deeply important issue that isn't addressed enough.If you are having suicidal thoughts, we encourage you to contact National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, available 24 hours a day at 1-800-273-8255 pic.twitter.com/Mf31AikZKJ
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) March 4, 2022
Coming together for Katie Meyer.@ORLPride @thekccurrent pic.twitter.com/YhmR5p4yFl
— Orlando Pride (@ORLPride) March 3, 2022
The thoughts and hearts of the entire U.S. Soccer Federation are with the family, friends, teammates and loved ones of Katie Meyer. https://t.co/xSuCQJPk1P
— U.S. Soccer (@ussoccer) March 2, 2022