A powerful new ESPN documentary brings viewers face-to-face with the story of Katie Meyer, the Stanford soccer goalkeeper who tragically died by suicide in 2022. The film reveals heartbreaking footage that gives us a glimpse into her final days.
"Save - The Katie Meyer Story" premieres Saturday at 11 a.m. ET on ESPN and will be available for streaming on ESPN+ afterward. The documentary paints an intimate portrait of Meyer's life through interviews, videos, and details about the wrongful death lawsuit her parents filed against Stanford.
One of the most touching moments comes from footage of Meyer sitting with her father Steve for what would become the only episode of her podcast "Be The Mentality." The conversation, recorded just two weeks before her death, shows their close relationship.
"What do you think a lesson is that a person just has to learn on their own?" Katie asks her father in the podcast. His reply feels especially poignant now: "Life is not easy, right? After some type of failure, whether it's in sports or in schoolwork or your career, then if you just keep grinding and remain open-minded, it may actually be an opportunity to do something else."
The Tragic Circumstances
Meyer was found dead in her dorm room at age 22, just one day after learning she faced possible expulsion. The incident stemmed from allegedly spilling hot coffee on a Stanford football player.
Her parents argue in their lawsuit that Stanford handled the disciplinary matter "negligently and recklessly." They believe if they had been made aware of the situation, their daughter would still be alive today.
Stanford has responded by pointing to Meyer's own academic presentation where she allegedly discussed struggles with "her parents and their pressure to be perfect." This contentious claim adds another dimension to the tragedy.
The documentary captures Meyer's vibrant personality and athletic excellence. She became a Stanford hero when her clutch performances helped the team win a national championship.
Legal Battle Continues
The Meyers' civil lawsuit against Stanford is scheduled for trial in April 2026. They've already achieved a legislative victory with the passage of AB 1575, Katie Meyer's Law, which requires public California colleges to allow students to have advisers during conduct violation proceedings.
However, as a private institution, Stanford isn't bound by this new law. The legal battle has expanded to include allegations about text messages between Meyer and a Stanford deputy general counsel who was also a resident fellow in Meyer's dorm.
The film was reported by Julie Foudy, herself a former Stanford soccer star, though this connection isn't mentioned in the documentary. Foudy told USA TODAY Sports: "I knew it was a story that I think was important to tell. And as hard as it was, it's a story that definitely people needed to hear."
For those interested in college sports and the pressures facing student-athletes, this documentary provides important insights into mental health challenges and institutional responsibilities. It's a must-watch for anyone connected to collegiate athletics.
If you or someone you know may be struggling with suicidal thoughts, call 988 any time day or night, or text 741741 to reach the Crisis Text Line.
