In the run-up to the U.S. women’s national team’s debut at the World Cup on Friday night, defender Naomi Girma and her teammates have been promoting a mental health initiative in partnership with Common Goal and Fox Sports. The initiative was inspired by the loss of Girma’s close friend, former Stanford goalkeeper Katie Meyer, who died by suicide in March 2022.
The initiative includes a public service announcement released just before the start of the World Cup and a plan to help youth sports players and coaches recognize and address mental health concerns. Fox Sports, which will broadcast the tournament, also promised to dedicate one percent of the tournament’s airtime to mental health.