Sarah Schupansky has been selected as Gotham FC‘s representative for the 2026 Nation of Lifesavers Ambassador Class, a joint initiative between the NWSL, the American Heart Association and Angel City FC defender Savy King’s foundation, Savy King of Hearts, aimed at raising awareness for CPR and AED education during National CPR and AED Awareness Week.
Each of the NWSL’s 16 clubs has named ambassadors as part of National CPR and AED Awareness Week, an annually held event that runs from June 1-7. Schupansky is one of 21 players across the league who will participate in public service announcements and social media campaigns while engaging in community education events throughout the season.
NWSL 2026 Nation of Lifesavers Ambassador Class Unveiled
Here is the full list of NWSL players who are uniting to promote lifesaving CPR education while empowering communities to act in critical moments.
- Angel City FC – Kennedy Fuller and Savy King
- Bay FC – Emmie Allen and Tess Boade
- Boston Legacy FC – Hannah Stambaugh
- Chicago Stars FC – Elise Evans
- Denver Summit FC – Megan Reid
- Gotham FC – Sarah Schupansky
- Houston Dash – Paige Nielsen
- Kansas City Current – Lo’eau LaBonta
- North Carolina Courage – Riley Jackson and Dani Weatherholt
- Orlando Pride – Ally Lemos
- Portland Thorns FC – Shae Harvey
- Racing Louisville FC – Savannah DeMelo
- San Diego Wave FC – Kennedy Wesley and Kiki Pickett
- Seattle Reign FC – Cassie Miller
- Utah Royals FC – Kaleigh Riehl and Alex Lorea
- Washington Spirit – Gabrielle Carle
King’s Story Inspires League-Wide CPR Awareness Efforts
Last season, King collapsed on the field in the 74th minute during Angel City FC’s May 9 NWSL match against the Utah Royals at BMO Stadium. The swift response from medical personnel was crucial as King was assisted with chest compressions, an oxygen mask and was transported to a nearby hospital.
“Experiencing sudden cardiac arrest changed my life forever, but it also showed me the incredible impact that one prepared person can have in an emergency,” King said in a statement to the league. “I am here today because people acted quickly and because lifesaving resources were available when I needed them most.”
The now 21-year-old underwent surgery to address a heart abnormality and recovered in time to play in Angel City’s 2026 NWSL season-opening win over Chicago Stars FC on March 15.
King is using her foundation to amplify public awareness for more individuals to learn CPR, while expanding access to heart screenings and providing heart health resources.
“Through Savy King of Hearts, our partnership with the American Heart Association, and the support of the NWSL and my fellow players, we’re working to make sure more people know CPR and feel empowered to step in when seconds matter. 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.”
NWSL Commissioner Berman Highlights Impact of Ambassador Program
NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman praised King, Schupansky and players across the league for teaming together in this difference-making initiative.
“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,” Berman said. “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. We are proud to team up with the American Heart Association and to see this group of ambassadors lead the way in educating and empowering communities across the country.”
Schupansky helped Gotham win the 2025 NWSL Championship and 2024-25 Concacaf W Champions Cup during her rookie season. She has logged 351 minutes through nine appearances in her second NWSL season.
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