If anyone was watching the livestream on Sunday between Racing Louisville FC and Seattle Reign FC they witnessed a scary incident. During extra time in the first half, Louisville and USWNT star, Savannah DeMelo went down for a brief moment. She then collapsed and was seen unresponsive as medical teams worked to assist her. She was escorted off by an ambulance.
Both teams were sent to the locker room and in less than 15 minutes, the game was called. It was rescheduled and resumed from the point in which the midfielder fell. Seatle Reign would take home the victory winning 1-0.
The game result at the end of the day is not what mattered though. It was how the league handled the health of DeMelo and the mental health of both teams as they witnessed a teammate and fellow player struggling on the field.
The decision was swift and demonstrated that the league is working on getting player safety right when the moment may present itself. Earlier this season DeMelo collapsed prior during a game and Angel City's Savy King also had an incident during a game.
After the King incident, the players advocated for strong player safety and the league itself acknowledged it should have suspended the match.
NWSL commisioner Jessica Berman may the quick decision to suspend following DeMelo.
It demonstrates how the league took the advice from the players and is growing in how best to handle situations. It should be something that all leagues, male or female should emulate.
In 2022, when Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin had a cardiac incident in the middle of an NFL game, it seemed the league itself was intent on having the game played. It was only after the Bills and Cincinnati Bengals organizations interfered they did not go forward with the game.
The DeMelo incident also provided a glimpse at the professionalism and quick action displayed by the medical personnel in the NWSL on both teams. They were quick to respond and give her the needed attention and care she needed.
The 27- year old has been a star for Racing Louisville since entering the league in 2022. She was also a member of the US Women's World Cup roster in 2023. However, after her first collapse earlier this year it was revealed, she is battling Graves' disease.
She is hospitalized undergoing tests, but it was recently reported that is she is in good spirits after her second collapse. She may be looking at her overall health as she ponders what's next.
One thing that she and other players in the league do not have to worry about is whether the NWSL itself is putting their well-being ahead of anything else, based on this most recent incident.