Savy King poised to rejoin Angel City following on-field cardiac incident
Defender Savy King of Angel City FC is poised to make her return to the field following the club’s announcement on Saturday that she has been taken off the National Women’s Soccer League’s season-ending injury list (SEI).
King had been on the SEI since experiencing a cardiac incident during a match on May 9, 2025. She later underwent open-heart surgery after medical professionals identified a rare congenital heart condition, and she began a rehabilitation program with the aim of returning for the 2026 NWSL season.
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“I have been doing everything within my power to get back on the pitch for a game. I am thrilled to be returning and to be in a position to play again,” King stated to ESPN this week. “This will be a significant moment not just for me, but for my family, the club, and everyone who has faced challenging times in their lives, particularly those who have experienced a cardiac event.”
King will be eligible to participate in Angel City’s preseason exhibition matches at the Coachella Valley Invitational, as well as in the club’s regular season, which commences on March 15 at BMO Stadium.
“My goal is to be back for the first game,” King remarked. “It has been a lengthy journey, but I feel more prepared than ever. I want to assure everyone that there is no need to worry or be concerned about my return because I am ready. I have been concentrating on the mental side of things to ensure I am prepared. Physically, I feel completely fine. Mentally, I have been doing quite well.”
👑 Here comes Savy King! 👑 pic.twitter.com/J2J5SJXTSx
— Angel City FC (@weareangelcity) February 14, 2026
In the summer of 2025, King completed her cardiac rehabilitation at Cedars Sinai and received clearance to return to Angel City’s training facility for non-contact practices in the fall. This preseason, she was fully cleared for contact training and resumed full practice with her Angel City teammates.
“Being back meant everything,” King expressed regarding her return to the training facility after months of cardiac rehabilitation. “Most of my recovery took place away from Angel City. So, returning to the training facility was just amazing. It had been a long time coming.”
“Initially, I couldn’t do much, but that didn’t matter because I was there, back with my team. I just knew that I was home.”
Several months after her cardiac incident, King established Savy King of Hearts, a nonprofit organization focused on promoting CPR awareness, preventive screenings, and heart health advocacy.
Last November, King announced a new initiative through her nonprofit to offer free CPR training to all 16 NWSL teams. This initiative, in collaboration with the NWSL and the American Heart Association, will provide complimentary CPR training for all players, coaches, and staff. King’s initiative positions the NWSL as the first American professional sports league to ensure that players, coaches, and staff from all teams receive CPR training.
King was selected second overall in the 2024 NWSL Draft by Bay FC, making 20 appearances in her rookie season and contributing two assists in 1,220 minutes of play.
In February 2025, King was traded to Angel City, where she signed a contract extension with the club through 2028. The Los Angeles native started in all seven matches for Angel City, logging over 600 minutes before experiencing her cardiac event on the field in May.
