The National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) and the American Heart Association announced 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, led by Angel City FC defender and CPR survivor Savy King, to promote lifesaving CPR education and empower communities to act during cardiac emergencies.
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, which takes just 90 seconds, can double or triple survival chances. The ambassador class will amplify public service announcements, participate in social media campaigns, and engage in community education events throughout the season.
"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.
As part of the partnership, all 16 NWSL teams held Hands-Only CPR education sessions led by the Heart Association, equipping players and staff with skills to act in cardiac emergencies. King will also join the Heart Association for a session with the league's front office. King, a sudden cardiac arrest survivor and founder of the Savy King of Hearts foundation, emphasized the importance of preparedness.
"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," King said. "I am here today because people acted quickly and because lifesaving resources were available when I needed them most."
NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman highlighted the collective effort: "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. 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."
The American Heart Association and NWSL have collaborated since 2023 as part of the Smart Heart Sports Coalition, which advocates for all 50 states to adopt policies preventing fatal outcomes from cardiac arrest among high school students. More than 23,000 children under 18 experience out-of-hospital cardiac arrest annually, with about 40% occurring among student-athletes. With nearly 3 out of 4 cardiac arrests happening in homes, knowing CPR is critically important. The Heart Association urges witnesses to call 9-1-1 and begin chest compressions at 100-120 beats per minute. More information is available at heart.org/nation.
