Former Stanford guard Katie Meyer celebrates at a high school game
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, call the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline which provides 24/7 confidential support by calling 9-8-8.
Newbury Park, Calif. – Katie Meyer would have turned 23 on Friday. If she were here, this is what the former Stanford goalie would have seen:
About 50 people, including Katie’s parents and two sisters, hold hands as they form a giant circle before a girls’ soccer game at Newbury Park High School, where Katie Meyer stars.
That human circle and everyone on the field observe 19 seconds of silence for Mayer, who wore the number 19 jersey.
Newbury Park players wear a green butterfly patch on their jerseys to signify mental health awareness and Katie’s love of butterflies.
And on a mostly sad night, laughter broke out among the Newbury Park players, including Meyer’s younger sister Sienna, after losing 5-0 to Oaks Christian.
more: After Stanford soccer player Katie Meyer commits suicide, her parents aim to help other students
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“These are the moments I’m most grateful for,” said Katie’s father, Steve, as he watched Sienna and her teammates enjoy each other after losing to one of the best teams in the state. It was Katie who always had the loudest laugh among her teammates at Stanford, as her saves helped lift the team to the national title in 2019.
It’s been almost 10 months since Sienna lost her sister, with whom she spent countless hours playing soccer.
“You know, I’ve kind of realized now over time that every game is a privilege,” said Sienna, a sophomore defenseman and Division I college prospect. “So I felt this person was particularly special to be able to be on the field. And even though we lost by a big margin, I was grateful to be able to play,” he said.
In November, Katie Meyer’s family sued the university for wrongful death, according to a copy of the civil lawsuit obtained by USA TODAY Sports. Stanford was not mentioned in the court documents.
But for the Myers family, Friday was not a night to discuss legal action. Instead, they remain focused on using tragedy to help save others from the same fate.
At intermission, near the stadium entrance, Katie’s mother Gina stands behind a table with information about their initiative, Katie’s Save.
College students will be allowed the option of choosing a designated attorney who will be notified “when a student is involved in difficult circumstances where they may need further guidance and support.”
The Myers say this choice would have saved their daughter while she was going through her disciplinary procedure.
A few teens approached the table and checked out the stacks of Katie’s Save bracelets with stickers and temporary tattoos.
“Take the stuff, take it,” said Jenna Meyer, and the high school students did just that.
This month, Jenna Meyer said, she and her husband have spoken to half a dozen schools about their initiative and have continued to receive positive feedback. More chats are scheduled as she continues to spread the message.
“You respect them so much not only for what they’re dealing with, but also for reaching out and helping others as they deal with all of this,” said Tim York, who has two daughters at Newbury High. Team.
His wife, Nisha, broke down in tears as she reflected on the pre-match party.
Before she started, Gina Meyer used flameless tea lights to line up her daughter’s old jersey number on the track around the field. I helped organize a large group photo behind Flare 19.
On a chilly night, the crowd of about 150 included three of Katie’s former Stanford classmates, including 2022 NFL Player of the Year Sophia Smith.
Join the group of people who formed the circle in midfield before the match as the party begins. Captain teams were placed on each goal, as they were at Stanford this season before every game in honor of Katie, who was the team captain.
“Nice experience,” said Nisha Yorke.
A similar ceremony was held at two other girls’ soccer matches in the area.
“Katie’s story makes a difference,” said Jenna Meyer. “It’s making an impact. That’s the point. And we keep saying if we can save one child, help one child, start the conversation, it’s all worth it.”