The National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) and the American Heart Association have joined forces to launch the 2026 Nation of Lifesavers NWSL Ambassador Class during National CPR and AED Awareness Week, June 1-7. The initiative brings together players from all 16 NWSL clubs, united in promoting lifesaving CPR education and empowering communities to act during cardiac emergencies. Led by Angel City FC defender and CPR survivor Savy King, the ambassadors will amplify public service announcements, engage in social media campaigns, and participate in community education events throughout the season.
According to the American Heart Association, over half of sudden cardiac arrest victims outside hospitals do not receive immediate CPR, leading to a 90% fatality rate. Learning Hands-Only CPR takes just 90 seconds and can double or triple survival chances. The partnership includes Hands-Only CPR education sessions for all NWSL teams and staff, led by the Heart Association. Savy King, who experienced sudden cardiac arrest and founded the Savy King of Hearts foundation, emphasized the importance of preparedness: "I am here today because people acted quickly and because lifesaving resources were available when I needed them most."
NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman praised King's resilience and the collective effort of the players. "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," Berman said. The American Heart Association's CEO Nancy Brown highlighted the impact of the ambassadors: "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."
The American Heart Association and NWSL have collaborated since 2023 as part of the Smart Heart Sports Coalition, advocating for policies to prevent fatal cardiac arrest among high school students. With more than 23,000 children under 18 experiencing out-of-hospital cardiac arrest annually, and about 40% of those occurring among student-athletes, the coalition aims to adopt evidence-based policies in all 50 states. The Nation of Lifesavers initiative supports the Association's goal to double survival rates of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest by 2030 by expanding CPR education and access to automated external defibrillators (AEDs).
Hands-Only CPR involves calling 9-1-1 and performing chest compressions at a rate of 100-120 beats per minute. The American Heart Association provides resources at heart.org/nation for those looking to learn CPR. The 2026 NWSL Ambassador Class includes players from all clubs, such as Kennedy Fuller and Savy King (Angel City FC), Emmie Allen and Tess Boade (Bay FC), and others representing Boston Legacy FC, Chicago Stars FC, Denver Summit FC, Gotham FC, Houston Dash, Kansas City Current, North Carolina Courage, Orlando Pride, Portland Thorns FC, Racing Louisville FC, San Diego Wave FC, Seattle Reign FC, Utah Royals FC, and Washington Spirit.
