LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Racing Louisville midfielder Savannah DeMelo remains hospitalized in Seattle but is “awake and in good spirits” after collapsing on the field Sunday night in a frightening moment that halted her team’s match against the Seattle Reign.
The 27-year-old is undergoing testing and surrounded by family, the club said in an update Monday afternoon. Racing coach Bev Yanez said the incident has deeply affected DeMelo’s teammates and staff.
“This has been an incredibly difficult time for our players and staff, who all care deeply for her," Yanez said. "And it’s meaningful to know the entire NWSL community is behind Sav as she recovers. ”
DeMelo collapsed near the end of the first half at Lumen Field and was taken from the field by ambulance after receiving immediate medical attention. She remains under observation at a Seattle hospital.
“I’m lucky to have my family with me while I’m waiting for test results to come back,” DeMelo said in a statement. “I'm extremely thankful to our whole medical staff for the quick response. They've been with me every step of the way. The support from everyone has truly meant the world to me, and I’m excited to cheer on the girls this week.”
Game to resume Tuesday night
The NWSL announced the match will resume Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET behind closed doors at Lumen Field. It will pick up at the start of the second half with the score 0–0. The game will stream on NWSL+ and Paramount+.
Racing general manager Caitlyn Flores Milby praised the club’s athletic trainers and the Seattle Reign medical team for their rapid response, and thanked the NWSL for suspending the game when it did.
“From the moment the incident began, Savannah’s health has been our top priority,” Milby said.
DeMelo, a U.S. national team midfielder and Racing’s all-time leader in goals and assists, previously left a March match with dizziness and chest discomfort. She later told ESPN she had been diagnosed with Graves’ disease and hyperthyroidism—conditions that can affect heart rate and energy levels. The team has not said whether Sunday’s incident was related.
For now, DeMelo continues to recover with her family by her side — and a team of supporters back home preparing to finish what they started, with her watching.
"I’m especially thankful to the medical personnel who acted quickly to ensure her safety on Sunday night, as well as to the Seattle Reign and the NWSL for their support," Yanez said. "It has truly meant the world to us. We will continue to support Savannah and her family in any way we can.”
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