NWSL and American Heart Association Team Up to Promote CPR Education During National CPR and AED Awareness Week

The National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) and the American Heart Association have joined forces to raise awareness of CPR and AED education, unveiling the 2026 Nation of Lifesavers NWSL Ambassador Class during National CPR and AED Awareness Week, held annually from June 1-7. The initiative brings together players from all 16 NWSL clubs, united in their commitment to promoting lifesaving CPR education and empowering communities to act in critical moments.

Led by Angel City FC defender and CPR survivor Savy King, the ambassador class reflects a league-wide effort to turn awareness into action. Ambassadors will support the American Heart Association's call to learn CPR by amplifying public service announcements, participating in social media campaigns, and engaging in community education events throughout the season. The ambassadors include Kennedy Fuller and Savy King (Angel City FC), Emmie Allen and Tess Boade (Bay FC), Hannah Stambaugh (Boston Legacy FC), Elise Evans (Chicago Stars FC), Megan Reid (Denver Summit FC), Sarah Schupansky (Gotham FC), Paige Nielsen (Houston Dash), Lo'eau LaBonta (Kansas City Current), Riley Jackson and Dani Weatherholt (North Carolina Courage), Ally Lemos (Orlando Pride), Shae Harvey (Portland Thorns FC), Savannah DeMelo (Racing Louisville FC), Kennedy Wesley and Kiki Pickett (San Diego Wave FC), Cassie Miller (Seattle Reign FC), Kaleigh Riehl and Alex Lorea (Utah Royals FC), and Gabrielle Carle (Washington Spirit).

“When someone has a sudden cardiac arrest, immediate CPR can mean the difference between life and death. Thanks to the leadership of the NWSL and Savy King, we are so pleased to welcome this class of NWSL players to use their powerful platform to encourage everyone, everywhere to be prepared to act,” said Nancy Brown, chief executive officer of the American Heart Association. “At the American Heart Association our work is focused on improving bystander CPR rates and these inspiring athletes are helping to build a nation of lifesavers.”

As part of the initiative, all 16 NWSL teams held Hands-Only CPR education sessions this season led by the Heart Association, equipping players and staff with the skills necessary to act in a cardiac emergency. King will join the Heart Association for an upcoming Hands-Only CPR session with the league's front office. “Savy is an extraordinary example of resilience, leadership and purpose, and her willingness to turn her personal experience into something that can save lives is incredibly inspiring,” said NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman. “What makes this initiative so powerful is how our players have come together to support her and to use their platforms in service of something bigger than the game.”

Over half of sudden cardiac arrest victims outside hospitals don't receive immediate CPR, leading to a 90% fatality rate, according to the American Heart Association. Yet learning Hands-Only CPR takes just 90 seconds and can double or triple survival chances. “Experiencing sudden cardiac arrest changed my life forever, but it also showed me the incredible impact that one prepared person can have in an emergency,” said King, Angel City FC defender and founder of Savy King of Hearts. “I am here today because people acted quickly and because lifesaving resources were available when I needed them most. Through Savy King of Hearts, our partnership with the American Heart Association, and the support of the NWSL and my fellow players, we're working to make sure more people know CPR and feel empowered to step in when seconds matter.”

The American Heart Association is the global leader in CPR, publishing official guidelines and creating resuscitation science for over 60 years. The Nation of Lifesavers focuses on expanding CPR education, increasing access to automated external defibrillators (AEDs), and building confidence to act. The NWSL and Heart Association have been teaming up since 2023 as part of the Smart Heart Sports Coalition, advocating for all 50 states to adopt policies preventing fatal outcomes from cardiac arrest among high school students. With nearly 3 out of 4 cardiac arrests occurring at home, knowing CPR is critically important. For more information on learning CPR, visit www.heart.org/nation.