Savy King Released from Hospital After Heart Surgery Following On-Field Collapse

Savy King Released from Hospital After Heart Surgery Following On-Field Collapse

Angel City defender Savy King has made a remarkable recovery and has been discharged from the hospital. This comes just over a week after she collapsed on the field during a National Women’s Soccer League match, necessitating surgery for a heart abnormality.

On Sunday, King shared a heartfelt photo of herself in the hospital on social media, holding a heart-shaped pillow and giving a thumbs up. Her resilience and optimism shone through in her message to supporters.

“I’m still finding the words to express just how much your love and support have meant to me over these past few days. I know I wouldn’t have gotten through this without my incredible family by my side, my amazing teammates, the fans, and the outstanding medical team at ACFC who saved my life and cared for me every step of the way,” she posted. She added, “I know God’s got me and I’m looking forward to recovering and getting back out on the field!”

Angel City confirmed that King was released from the hospital a day prior to her social media update. The 20-year-old athlete collapsed during the second half of the match against Utah Royals on May 9. Emergency personnel treated her on the field for over 10 minutes before transporting her to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.

Upon arrival, medical staff discovered a serious heart condition that led to a successful surgical intervention just days after her collapse. Following the procedure, doctors relayed that her prognosis was positive, and her recovery was well underway.

The Aftermath of the Incident

The shocking nature of King’s collapse resonated with players and fans, leading to significant reaction within the soccer community. Despite the emergency, the match was allowed to continue, a decision that triggered widespread criticism. The National Women’s Soccer League later indicated it would review its policies regarding emergency situations on the field.

The NWSL Players Association voiced their disapproval, stating, “These moments demand humanity, sound judgment, and restraint. Any medical emergency that requires life-saving care should bring play to an end. The match should not have continued.” This sentiment was echoed by fans and advocates for player safety.

In a follow-up statement released on Friday, the league expressed regret for permitting the match to go on after the incident. The league emphasized its commitment to the health and well-being of all players, asserting that in future cases of medical emergencies, the game would be halted immediately.

A Tribute to Savy King

Following her hospital release, Angel City participated in a match against Bay FC on Saturday night, marking the team’s first game since the incident involving King. In a show of solidarity and support, both teams wore jerseys emblazoned with ‘SK3’ on the front as a tribute to the young defender. Angel City’s captain, Sarah Gorden, also held up King’s jersey during the team photo, signifying the unity felt within the squad.

NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman addressed the media at halftime, emphasizing the need for learning from the incident. She stated, “All we could do is learn from the experience and conclude that in a future situation, we will ensure that our policies and protocols do not allow the game to continue.” Berman’s comments reflect a commitment to enhance player safety moving forward.

King’s Journey in the NWSL

Savy King was selected as the second overall pick in the 2024 NWSL draft by the expansion team Bay FC. She quickly established herself as a promising player, competing in 18 games for the club. In February, she was traded to Angel City FC, where she started in eight matches this season before her unfortunate health scare.

The outpouring of support for King since her collapse highlights the strong community within women’s soccer. Players, fans, and organizations alike have rallied around her, showcasing the sport’s solidarity in times of crisis. As she embarks on her recovery journey, the focus on her health and eventual return to the field remains paramount.

Looking Forward

The incident involving Savy King not only raised awareness about player safety but also showcased the importance of prompt medical attention in sports. Her return to health is a positive development for both her and the league. Moving forward, the NWSL is tasked with evaluating and adjusting its policies to prioritize player welfare in all circumstances.

While the road to recovery may be gradual, King’s spirit encourages many within the soccer community. Her determination to return to the pitch reflects her passion for the sport and commitment to her teammates. With strong support from her family, fans, and the soccer community, her future in professional soccer looks promising.

In summary, King’s resilience amidst adversity serves as an inspiring story for athletes everywhere. Her journey underscores the critical balance between sport and health, reminding everyone of the human element within competitive athletics.

Reporting by The Associated Press.