Savy King, a prominent defender for Angel City FC, has been nominated for the prestigious ESPYS Best Comeback Athlete Award. Her remarkable journey back to competitive play after a life-threatening cardiac incident has captivated many, highlighting her unwavering spirit and resilience. This nomination places her alongside other inspiring athletes who have overcome significant challenges to return to the pinnacle of their respective sports.
Angel City FC Star Savy King Earns ESPYS Nomination for Inspirational Comeback
In a testament to human fortitude, Angel City FC's esteemed defender, Savy King, has been recognized with an ESPYS nomination for the Best Comeback Athlete Award. This acknowledgment comes after her extraordinary return to the field following a severe cardiac event in May 2025. King's fellow nominees for this esteemed award include golfer Anthony Kim, San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey, and Texas A&M volleyball player Kyndal Stowers.
The harrowing incident occurred on May 9, 2025, when King collapsed mid-game against the Utah Royals, a moment that sent shockwaves through the sports community. Swiftly transported to the hospital, she underwent critical open-heart surgery. Her path to recovery spanned 10 arduous months, during which she dedicated herself to cardiac rehabilitation at Cedars Sinai. Beyond her personal battle, King channeled her experience into advocacy, establishing "Savy King of Hearts," a non-profit organization focused on raising awareness about CPR procedures and the importance of preventative screenings for heart health.
Her triumphant return to play arrived on March 15, during Angel City's season opener against the Chicago Stars, where she entered as a substitute in the 63rd minute. Reflecting on that pivotal moment, King shared her initial apprehension, stating, "I was super nervous, honestly. But when I got on the pitch I was thinking, 'I've been here before and I'm ready for this.'" She acknowledged the immense effort behind the scenes: "The last 10 months have been crazy for me. A lot of hard work. A lot of perseverance. A lot of blood, sweat and tears that people didn't see. But I felt as ready as I would ever be in that moment, and I didn't want to let that fear and me being afraid to play again stop me from what I wanted to do."
King also emphasized the crucial role her supporters played in her recovery, expressing profound gratitude for their unwavering encouragement. "Our supporters have been with me throughout this entire thing. And they've sent so much love and prayers," King stated. "They've definitely helped me so much throughout this recovery. When I felt like I didn't want to keep going, they were always there to support me and lift me up. To have them here and to be able to play in front of them and show them that I'm OK is just the best feeling in the world."
Fan voting for the ESPYS is currently underway and will conclude on July 15, giving supporters the opportunity to recognize King's inspiring journey.
Savy King's story is a powerful reminder of the human spirit's capacity to overcome adversity. Her journey from a life-threatening cardiac event to an ESPYS nomination is not just a personal victory but also an inspiration to countless individuals facing their own battles. Her dedication to her sport, coupled with her commitment to raising awareness for heart health, exemplifies the true essence of a comeback athlete. It underscores that challenges, no matter how daunting, can be transformed into opportunities for growth, advocacy, and ultimately, triumph.