Katie Meyer, the captain and goalkeeper of Stanford University’s women’s soccer team, has died. She was 22.
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| Katie Meyer of the Stanford Cardinal defends the goal against the North Carolina Tar Heels at Avaya Stadium in San Jose, Calif., on Dec. 8, 2019.Jamie Schwaberow / NCAA Photos via Getty Images file |
The university confirmed Meyer’s death in a letter sent to the school’s community Wednesday.
According to the letter, which was obtained by NBC News, Meyer died in a campus residence.
“Katie was extraordinarily committed to everything and everyone in her world,” the statement said. “Her friends describe her as a larger-than-life team player in all her pursuits, from choosing an academic discipline she said ‘changed my perspective on the world and the very important challenges that we need to work together to overcome’ to the passion she brought to the Cardinal women’s soccer program and to women’s sports in general.”
The letter also referred to Meyer’s helping Stanford win its third NCAA women’s soccer championship in 2019 with two saves in a penalty-kick shootout.
The university offered resources for students and said it will provide details about opportunities to remember Meyer. It did not provide information about how she died.
Meyer was a senior who majored in international relations and minored in history. She was also a resident assistant.
Stanford Athletics posted a heartfelt message on its Twitter page.
“The Stanford community has suffered an unimaginable loss. Our thoughts & love are with Katie’s family & friends,” the tweet said. The post included a photo of Meyer in her soccer uniform and a heart emoji.
The official U.S. Soccer Twitter page shared Stanford Athletics’ tribute and added, “The thoughts and hearts of the entire U.S. Soccer Federation are with the family, friends, teammates and loved ones of Katie Meyer.”
The NCAA and the Pac-12 Conference also tweeted posts honoring Meyer.
The Stanford’s women’s soccer team uploaded a picture of Meyer in action on the field. “We love you, Katie,” the post said.