Stanford retires late Katie Meyer's soccer jersey after her suicide

PALO ALTO, Calif. - In a historic program first, the undefeated and top-ranked Stanford women's soccer team officially retired jersey No. 19 Thursday night to honor former team captain Katie Meyer.

In an emotional pregame ceremony at Cagan Stadium, the Stanford women's soccer program unveiled Meyer's jersey with her parents watching on from the field.

"It’s hard, I mean it’s wonderful being here," said Gina Meyer, Katie's mother. "This was her favorite place, the stadium, Cagan, was literally her favorite place."

Steve Meyer shared the ongoing heartbreak of losing their daughter. "You know, as a parent, it’s heartbreaking," he said. "We miss her every day, and I keep waiting for her to walk around the corner now, going, 'Here I am.'"

Retiring No. 19 jersey 

What we know:

The ceremony took place on Thursday during the team's Mental Health Awareness Night match against USC. It marked the first time in Stanford women's soccer history that a player's number has been retired.

No player has worn No. 19 since 2022, the year Meyer died by suicide after facing threats from school administration when she retaliated against a football player to stand up for a teammate.

"We're happy Stanford is doing this, but it's definitely sad," said Gina Meyer, Katie's mother.

"I think it's a really strong and poignant gesture by the university, honoring Katie's dedication, passion and performance there at Stanford," said Steve Meyer, Katie's father. "And while it is bittersweet, we're honored and proud that they would do this."

Katie's Save

Big picture view:

Following her death, Meyer's parents founded "Katie's Save," a foundation that successfully helped pass legislation in California requiring public universities to offer support to students facing administrative disciplinary action. 

"In our modern society right now, it’s a life’s work of a young person to be able to attend a university with whatever they’re interested in," Steve Meyer added. "And if that becomes threatened over a situation, an administrative conflict, they can spiral."

The Meyer family also settled a lawsuit with Stanford University, with terms that included retiring her jersey—an idea originally proposed by her head coach.

‘Amazing human being’ 

What they're saying:

"She was an amazing human being, she brought so much energy and enthusiasm, she was one of our captains, a key leader for our group," said Paul Ratcliffe, Stanford's women's soccer coach for 24 years. "She helped us win the 2019 national championship, so she's one of my all time favorites and I'm just so proud that we can remember her by retiring her jersey."

Meyer helped lead Stanford to the 2019 College Cup title, delivering crucial saves during a penalty shootout in the championship game, which Coach Ratcliffe called one of the best games he has ever coached.

Meyer's parents are now working to take their state legislation to the national level in Congress.

Their bill, H.R. 5545 now has more than 20 sponsors.

Support Across Campus on Mental Health Awareness Night

Members of other Stanford athletic programs, including the women's field hockey team, attended the ceremony to show solidarity and highlight the importance of mental health initiatives across college campuses.

"We’re all out here to support, because mental health is so important in sports," said Anya Jackson, co-captain of the Stanford women's field hockey team. "It always has been, and it's just really important to see it being recognized and given a platform for those who want to speak out as well. I think it’s really important."

If you are struggling, you can call 988, the nation's Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

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