Katie Meyer Obituary: Katie Meyer, Stanford University Soccer Star and Champion Goalkeeper, Tragically Dies by Suicide

Katie Meyer, a name synonymous with success and dedication in collegiate soccer, tragically died on March 1, 2022, at the age of 22. Her death, which was deemed suicide, has had a tremendous impact on the Stanford University community, where she was not only a student but also a beloved athlete and leader.

Meyer was a fantastic goalkeeper who led her team to a national title in 2019. She was noted for her spectacular saves, colorful demeanor, and ability to encourage others around her. Katie was born on January 20, 2000, in Burbank, California, as the middle child of a close-knit family raised by Steven and Gina Meyer, along with her two siblings. Growing up in Newbury Park, California, she developed a passion for soccer at a young age, competing in numerous juvenile leagues and rapidly established herself as a competitive player. Throughout her youth, she demonstrated her abilities on club teams, most notably Real So Cal and Eagles Soccer Club, while also winning a spot on the United States youth national team.

Katie’s academic trajectory was equally outstanding as her athletic skills. She attended Newbury Park High School, where she excelled as both a soccer player and a varsity football kicker. Her adaptability and determination distinguished her, culminating in a senior year at Century Academy, where she continued to succeed.

Katie announced a commitment to play college soccer at Stanford University in October 2015, fulfilling a long-held desire. During her freshman year, she was given a redshirt to allow her to grow more before taking the field as the starting goalkeeper. In her first competitive season in 2019, she established herself as a force to be reckoned with, going undefeated in ten of her sixteen games and helping her team to the NCAA tournament. Her defining moment came during the final game versus North Carolina, when her courageous saves in the penalty shootout clinched victory and earned her the Most Valuable Player award.

Katie Meyer’s tragic death serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of mental health awareness and the necessity for empathetic support networks in schools. The improvements launched by her family and friends, including Katie Meyer’s Law, represent a rising awareness of the obstacles that student-athletes experience and the importance of prioritizing their well-being. As discussions about mental health and legal reform continue, Katie’s legacy shines brightly, motivating a new generation to advocate for themselves and others.

Katie Meyer’s impact on women’s soccer, student advocacy, and mental health reform will be felt for years to come, ensuring that she is recognized not only for her accomplishments, but also for the good change she inspired in the lives of many.