Home / Sports / NWSL Player's Near-Death CPR Inspires League-Wide Training
NWSL Player's Near-Death CPR Inspires League-Wide Training
20 Nov
Summary
- NWSL to implement mandatory CPR training for all 16 clubs by 2026.
- Defender Savy King initiated the safety drive after her own on-field collapse.
- The initiative aims to make NWSL the first pro league with universal CPR instruction.
Angel City FC defender Savy King has launched a groundbreaking safety initiative within the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL). This program, born from her personal experience of receiving CPR on the field, will provide free CPR training to all 16 NWSL clubs ahead of the 2026 season. The collaboration involves King's nonprofit, Savy King of Hearts, the NWSL, and the American Heart Association.
The initiative is set to make the NWSL the first professional league in America to ensure standardized CPR instruction for every team. King, who collapsed during a match earlier this year and underwent surgery for a congenital heart condition, emphasized the critical importance of immediate CPR. She stated that every player and staff member should know CPR, given the unpredictability of cardiac emergencies.
Furthermore, the league will establish a player ambassador program, with King leading efforts to designate representatives from each club to champion CPR awareness. NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman expressed pride in this scalable CPR training, highlighting the league's commitment to player safety and health education. King also acknowledged the medical staff whose quick actions saved her life, fueling her drive to prevent others from facing similar waits for emergency aid.
