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Grace Ae Katie Meyer Award

ECNL Girls

GRACE AE AWARDED INAUGURAL “KATIE MEYER F19HT AWARD”

In honor of the legacy of Katie Meyer, the ECNL has created the Katie Meyer F19HT Award, to be bestowed annually upon an extraordinary player in the ECNL Selection Program who not only showcases exceptional soccer prowess, but also uplifts her teammates with unwavering support and an infectious positive energy that lights up the field. 

Katie was the brightest light in the room, with a radiant personality and a competitive spirit. Her warmth, compassion, and kindness could be felt by all. She exemplified the very essence of what it means to be a true sportsman, demonstrating that success is not solely measured by personal triumphs, but by the ability to uplift and inspire others along the way. 

Through her organization, 'Katie's Save', her family's goal is to protect, prevent, and save student athletes from future tragedies by allowing them to choose their own Designated Advocate should a situation arise on campus where they may need some extra support and guidance. 

"Katie was one of the most passionate and fierce competitors I've ever known, but what separated her from the rest was her unique ability to connect with and positively impact people around her," said Hideki Nakada, Katie's goalkeeper coach at Stanford. "She was the best teammate anyone could ever ask for and brought positive and contagious energy both on and off the field." 

Katie's legacy in the ECNL extends beyond her role as a player. She also made a significant impact as a coach within the league. Her contributions have left an enduring imprint on the ECNL community, inspiring athletes and guiding them to reach new heights. 

This year's recipient of the inaugural Katie Meyer F19HT Award is Grace Ae of LAFC So Cal. Grace was selected as the recipient of the award by the staff at this year's ECNL Girls Conference Cup for displaying the radiant personality, kindness, and competitive spirit that exemplified Katie's personality.

"It made me really emotional," Ae said after receiving the award. "My family and Katie's family have been very close for years. Gina and Steve Meyer have been very good role models to me, and obviously Katie, herself. Being able to receive this award, as someone who always looked up to her, is a blessing and I am very thankful for getting the opportunity to receive it."

"Grace was the perfect recipient of the Katie Meyer F19HT Award," said ECNL Girls Commissioner Ralph Richards. "Throughout the camp, Grace not only showed the competitive edge of what it takes to be at the Conference Cup, but also separated herself through her willingness to support her teammates and by having a positive impact on everyone she interacted with throughout the event."

This prestigious award serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of Katie Meyer, ensuring that her impactful contributions and remarkable achievements will continue to inspire and influence generations to come.

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