Angel City’s King Determined to Make a Full Recovery After Health Scare

Angel City FC defender Savy King had a life-changing moment in May when she collapsed during a match. Thanks to the prompt action of the team’s medical staff, she survived and is on track for a full recovery, although there’s no specific date for her return to the field.

“I owe my life to them,” King shared in an interview. She spoke about how grateful she is to have a second chance and aims to come back stronger. “I’m looking forward to being Savy 2.0,” she added optimistically.

On May 9, during a game against Utah Royals FC, King fell to the ground without any contact. Medical professionals treated her directly on the field for over ten minutes, using chest compressions and an AED. When she arrived at the hospital, doctors discovered a heart issue that she had no prior symptoms of. Dr. Richard Kim, who led her medical team, explained that King was born with an anomalous left coronary artery. They created a new pathway for blood flow, a procedure that has many positive outcomes for similar cases.

Angel City FC’s high-performance director, Sarah Smith, emphasized the importance of having their medical team present during that crucial time. “The timing and the support we had was incredible,” she remarked.

However, the match continued after King collapsed, which sparked backlash from fans and the NWSL Players Association (NWSLPA). Critics pointed out that the game should have been stopped immediately. Just a week later, the NWSL acknowledged this oversight and pledged to change their protocols for future incidents, promising that games would be halted in similar situations.

This incident shines a light on athlete safety, echoing concerns often raised in the sports community. A recent study noted that sudden cardiac events in sports are uncommon but can be fatal without immediate intervention. The question of player safety in high-stakes situations continues to be a pressing topic among leagues, athletes, and fans alike.

As the NWSL season resumes on August 1, all eyes will be on Angel City to see how King’s experience influences discussions about player health standards and protocols in the league.

For more information on athlete health and safety, visit the American Heart Association for guidelines and resources.

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