Women’s Soccer Star, Former Team Captain Found Dead On Stanford Campus

A student soccer goalkeeper who became popular in the general public due to her charisma and her help in leading Stanford University’s soccer team through many victories was found dead in her on-site student residence on Tuesday, March 1.

Twenty-two-year-old Katie Meyer, who was also voted captain of Stanford’s Cardinal soccer team twice, was found dead in her student residence, with the university not revealing her cause of death out of respect for her and her family, according to the Mercury News.

She was studying international relations at the university, with a minor in history.

A general sense of mourning has enveloped the American soccer community as well as the Stanford community, as they grieve over the death of a soccer star who appeared to be going to bigger and better opportunities after her collegiate run as a goalkeeper, the New York Post reported.

“There are no words to express the deep sadness we feel about Katie Meyer’s passing. Katie was an outstanding student-athlete and a beloved, passionate leader here at Stanford. Our entire athletics community is heartbroken and Katie will be deeply missed,” Bernard Muir, Stanford’s athletic director, said.

Meyers played in over 50 games during her three seasons with the Cardinal, winning 34 of those matches whilst appearing in 19 of the last 20 games the Cardinal has played. Her goalkeeping was also crucial in the 2019 title win of Stanford.

“You knew that she was going to be successful no matter what she did,” high school coach Joe Smigiel said. “She really took over Stanford soccer with just her personality and her energy and the way she played and the way she was a leader.”

“Katie was extraordinarily committed to everything and everyone in her world,” Stanford University said in a statement.

“There are no words to express the emptiness that we feel at this moment. We are reaching out to all of you in our community, because this impacts all of us. Please know that you are not alone.” they continued.

The statement also contained grief counselors for any student who may need them, and they are reportedly working with student-athletes to help them grieve at this time.