Stanford to retire Katie Meyer's jersey number to 'remember her legacy'
PALO ALTO, Calif. (KGO) -- Stanford University will retire former soccer player Katie Meyer's No. 19 jersey Thursday evening, more than four years after her death by suicide in 2022.
The ceremony will take place before Stanford's 7 p.m. match against USC. Meyer's death sparked a nationwide conversation about student mental health and led to legislative efforts aimed at providing students with greater support during disciplinary proceedings.
TAKE ACTION: Local suicide prevention resources for those in crisis
No one has worn the number 19 for Stanford women's soccer since Katie Meyer tragically died. Now, the school is choosing to honor her by making sure that no one ever will again.
A Stanford spokesperson said retiring her number will "remember her legacy."
Thursday night's game against USC will also serve as the team's "mental health awareness match," highlighting the importance of supporting people who may be struggling.
Gina and Steve Meyer were traveling back to Stanford for the ceremony, where they will be presented with a framed jersey as the university officially retires their daughter's number.
"I'm probably going to cry. I'm sure I will. I'm sure there's going to be some tears. I hope to feel Katie's presence. I hope that she knows how loved she was," Gina Meyer said.
The Meyers said the jersey retirement is both significant and emotional.
VIDEO: Stanford women's soccer team honors former captain Katie Meyer, bringing awareness to mental health
"It's a big moment, and it's a poignant moment. It's a poignant action by Stanford," Steve Meyer said.
"We're really grateful to Stanford, their new administration for doing this," Gina Meyer added.
Meyer is remembered for helping lead Stanford to a College Cup championship victory in 2019 with a standout performance in goal.
Three years later, she died by suicide after receiving threats from the university that her degree would be withheld because of a disciplinary incident in 2021.
At the time of her death, Meyer was facing disciplinary action from the university for spilling coffee on a Stanford football player. Meyer said she was defending a teammate who claimed the football player sexually assaulted her.
For her family, Thursday's ceremony represents an opportunity to focus on her life and legacy.
"We struggle every day with our grief. But, what we're trying to do is move forward from how she passed away and celebrate how she lived," Steve Meyer said.
Since her death, Gina and Steve Meyer have founded Katie's Save, a collegiate mental health nonprofit organization, and have advocated for the nationwide adoption of Katie Meyer's Law.
RELATED: Soccer star Katie Meyer's family files lawsuit against Stanford after she died by suicide
In 2024, California enacted "Katie Meyer's Law," which requires public colleges and universities in the state to provide access to an independent adviser for students facing disciplinary action.
Meyer's family sued Stanford for wrongful death. The case was later settled out of court.
Former Stanford teammate Andrea Kitahata said she hopes the jersey retirement serves as a reminder of the importance of mental health support for athletes.
"I think it's always going to be about destigmatizing mental health and offering support to people when they need it. And that's going to be a continued conversation. And it continues into the pros as well. So, I look forward to seeing the progress that's going to continue to be made," Kitahata said.
Fans planning to attend the ceremony are asked to be in their seats 15 minutes before kickoff Thursday evening.
If you or a loved one have contemplated suicide, call 988 to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. It provides free and confidential support 24 hours a day, seven days a week for people in suicidal crisis or distress. For crisis support in Spanish, call 1-888-628-9454. The International Association for Suicide Prevention and Befrienders Worldwide also provide contact information for crisis centers around the world.
