The National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) and the American Heart Association have unveiled the 2026 Nation of Lifesavers™ NWSL Ambassador Class during National CPR and AED Awareness Week, held annually from June 1-7. This 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.
"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 the event of 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."
According to the American Heart Association, over half of sudden cardiac arrest victims outside hospitals don't receive immediate CPR, leading to a 90% fatality rate. Yet learning Hands-Only CPR takes just 90 seconds and can double or triple survival chances. King, a sudden cardiac arrest survivor and founder of Savy King of Hearts, emphasized the importance of preparedness: "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 and the NWSL have been teaming up since 2023 as part of the Smart Heart Sports Coalition, initially established by the National Football League. The coalition advocates for all 50 states to adopt evidence-based public policies to prevent fatal outcomes from cardiac arrest among high school students. More than 23,000 children under 18 experience cardiac arrest outside a hospital annually, with about 40% occurring among student-athletes. Cardiac arrest is a leading cause of death for student-athletes nationwide.
With nearly 3 out of 4 cardiac arrests occurring in homes, knowing CPR is critically important. Bystanders should call 9-1-1 immediately and begin chest compressions at a rate of 100-120 beats per minute and a depth of approximately two inches. Hands-Only CPR is chest compression-only CPR. To learn more, visit www.heart.org/nation.
