NWSL and American Heart Association Launch CPR Ambassador Program Ahead of Awareness Week
The National Women's Soccer League and American Heart Association announced a 2026 ambassador class of players, led by cardiac arrest survivor Savy King, to promote Hands-Only CPR education across all 16 clubs.
The National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) and the American Heart Association announced on Thursday the 2026 Nation of Lifesavers NWSL Ambassador Class, a league-wide initiative to promote CPR and automated external defibrillator (AED) education. The announcement coincides with National CPR and AED Awareness Week, observed June 1-7, and aims to address the critical gap in bystander CPR that contributes to a 90% fatality rate for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.
Angel City FC defender Savy King, a sudden cardiac arrest survivor and founder of the Savy King of Hearts foundation, will lead the ambassador class. The group includes players from all 16 NWSL clubs, who will support the American Heart Association's call to learn CPR through public service announcements, social media campaigns, and community education events throughout the season.
“When someone has a sudden cardiac arrest, immediate CPR can mean the difference between life and death,” said Nancy Brown, chief executive officer of the American Heart Association, in a press release. “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.”
As part of the partnership, all 16 NWSL teams held Hands-Only CPR education sessions this season, led by the Heart Association, equipping players and staff with lifesaving skills. King will also join the Heart Association for an upcoming session with the league's front office. The initiative builds on a broader collaboration that began in 2023 through the Smart Heart Sports Coalition, which advocates for evidence-based policies to prevent fatal cardiac arrest among high school students. According to the American Heart Association, more than 23,000 children under 18 experience out-of-hospital cardiac arrest annually, with about 40% occurring among student-athletes.
“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.”
King, who survived sudden cardiac arrest thanks to quick action by those around her, emphasized the importance of preparedness. “I am here today because people acted quickly and because lifesaving resources were available when I needed them most,” she said. “If sharing my story encourages even one person to learn Hands-Only CPR, that could help save a life. Together, we can build a nation of lifesavers.”
The American Heart Association notes that nearly 3 out of 4 cardiac arrests occur in homes, making it critical for bystanders to know Hands-Only CPR, which involves chest compressions at 100-120 beats per minute to a depth of about two inches. The organization aims to double survival rates of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest by 2030 through its Nation of Lifesavers initiative. The ambassador class will play a key role in expanding CPR education, increasing access to AEDs, and building confidence to act in emergencies.