Stanford to retire Katie Meyer's jersey number to 'remember her legacy'

Stanford University will retire former soccer player Katie Meyer's No. 19 jersey on Thursday evening, marking a somber tribute to her legacy. The ceremony coincides with Stanford's match against USC, scheduled for 7 p.m. Meyer's tragic death by suicide in 2022 sparked discussions around student mental health and led to legislative efforts supporting students during disciplinary proceedings. No player has worn the number 19 since her death, and now the school is ensuring it remains unworn forever.

Meyer's family, Gina and Steve Meyer, will receive a framed jersey during the ceremony. They expressed their emotions, hoping for Katie's presence and knowing she was loved. The jersey retirement holds significance and emotional weight for Stanford's soccer community, who continue to mourn the loss of their former captain. Katie Meyer is remembered for leading Stanford to a College Cup championship in 2019 and bravely standing up for a teammate who accused a football player of sexual assault.

Her family has since founded Katie's Save, a collegiate mental health nonprofit organization, and lobbied for Katie Meyer's Law nationwide. In 2024, California passed the law, mandating public colleges and universities to provide independent advisers for students facing disciplinary action.

The ceremony aims to raise awareness about mental health support for athletes, with former teammate Andrea Kitahata emphasizing the importance of destigmatizing mental health and providing ongoing support. Fans attending the event are advised to arrive 15 minutes before kickoff. For those struggling with suicidal thoughts, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (988) is available for free, confidential support 24/7.