Savy King from Angel City FC has introduced a new CPR training program for all NWSL teams. This effort aims to prepare players, coaches, and staff to respond effectively in emergencies.
Savy King, a defender for Angel City FC, has started a program to offer free CPR training to every team in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL). The announcement was made at the NWSL Awards in San Jose, California. This training will include players, coaches, and staff, making the NWSL the first professional sports league in the United States to provide such comprehensive CPR education.
King’s motivation comes from a serious health incident she experienced six months ago. During a match against the Utah Royals, she collapsed and needed CPR on the field. After more than ten minutes of treatment, she was taken to hospital where doctors discovered a rare heart condition. King believes that CPR knowledge is vital for everyone involved in sports.
The program is a partnership between King’s nonprofit, Savy King of Hearts, and the American Heart Association. They will provide training on Hands-Only CPR and the use of automatic external defibrillators (AEDs). NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman expressed pride that the league is the first to implement CPR training at this scale, showing a strong commitment to player safety.
Each NWSL team will appoint a player ambassador to promote CPR awareness. Certified instructors will lead the training, focusing on the two-step method recommended by the American Heart Association: calling emergency services and performing chest compressions. The goal is to ensure everyone is ready to act quickly in emergencies during games.
Following surgery and recovery, King has returned to training and is cleared for contact practice. She credits her medical team for saving her life and stresses the importance of this training program for the safety of all league players.
