Savy King Partners with NWSL to Provide Free CPR Training

Angel City FC defender Savy King announced a significant partnership on Wednesday with her nonprofit organization, Savy King of Hearts, aimed at providing free CPR training to all 16 teams in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL).

This announcement took place during the inaugural National Women’s Soccer League Awards in San Jose, California. The initiative, developed in collaboration with the NWSL and the American Heart Association, will encompass all players, coaches, and staff within the league for the upcoming 2026 season, marking the NWSL as the first American professional sports league to ensure that every team member is trained in CPR.

“It’s incredibly important to me to establish this initiative,” King told ESPN. “This issue holds personal significance, especially after my own experience this year when I required CPR on the pitch. It’s essential for every locker room, team, and player to be equipped with CPR knowledge, as emergencies can occur at any moment.”

Six months prior, the 20-year-old King collapsed on the field during the 74th minute of a match against the Utah Royals at BMO Stadium. Without any contact, she fell to the ground and received treatment for over ten minutes. Angel City’s head of medical, Hollie Walusz, delivered life-saving CPR within a minute of her arrival before King was transported to the hospital.

Upon further examination, King was diagnosed with a rare congenital heart condition, necessitating surgery. “I experienced firsthand how quickly a cardiac emergency can arise,” she reflected. “CPR saved my life, and this initiative is a vital step toward enhancing safety within our league. After all, there may not always be a trainer or medical professional available in critical moments.”

Approximately a month ago, King proposed the idea of offering free CPR training to the league. Founded this summer, her nonprofit, Savy King of Hearts, focuses on CPR education, preventive screenings, and heart health advocacy.

In partnership with the American Heart Association, King’s nonprofit will spearhead the initiative. “We are proud to be the first professional sports league to implement CPR training at this scale, focusing on both field players and support staff,” stated NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman. “This initiative reinforces our dedication to player safety, community engagement, and leadership in health education.”

As part of the program, certified instructors will provide CPR training to every team ahead of the 2026 season. Participants will learn the recommended two-step technique by the American Heart Association: calling 911 and performing chest compressions. The training will also cover Education on the use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs).

Additionally, the NWSL is launching a player ambassador program led by King, which will appoint one representative from each team to advocate for CPR awareness both on and off the field.

During the award ceremony, King expressed her gratitude towards Walusz and Angel City’s high-performance director, Sarah Smith, for their critical role in her recovery and return to the field. Following her surgery, King completed cardiac rehabilitation and recently received clearance to resume contact training at Angel City’s practice facility, under the vigilant supervision of Smith.

“I owe my life to them, [Smith and Walusz],” King remarked. “They are the two individuals who provided me with a second chance, and it is their efforts that have made this initiative possible.”