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Xuan Thai
Stanford University and the family of Katie Meyer, the former star goalkeeper and two-time captain of the women’s soccer team who tragically took her own life in 2022, have reached a settlement in a wrongful death lawsuit, both parties announced on Monday.
At the time of her passing, 22-year-old Meyer was under disciplinary scrutiny for allegedly spilling coffee on a Stanford football player accused of sexually assaulting a teammate. Her father stated that she was acting in defense of a minor teammate.
The lawsuit, initiated in November 2022, alleged that Stanford acted “negligently and recklessly” by sending Meyer a formal notice on the night of her death that included intimidating language about possible disciplinary actions, including potential expulsion from the university.
A representative from Stanford denied the lawsuit’s claim that the university was responsible for her death at the time.
In a joint statement released on Monday, Stanford and Meyer’s family declared the establishment of the “Katie Meyer Leadership Award,” which will be presented annually to a distinguished Stanford student-athlete. The statement did not address any financial settlements and also indicated that Meyer’s jersey would be retired in recognition of her contributions to Stanford women’s soccer.
Additionally, the university pledged to “adopt the principles of Katie Meyer’s Law,” aimed at supporting students involved in disciplinary procedures. This law was enacted by the California legislature and signed by Governor Gavin Newsom in 2024 as a tribute to Meyer. It requires that any public college or university in California designated for financial aid provides a designated advisor during disciplinary actions.
The joint statement further noted that Stanford and the Meyer family would work together to launch an initiative dedicated to enhancing the mental health and well-being of student-athletes.
Last year, ESPN aired a documentary titled “Save: The Katie Meyer Story.”