Image courtesy of NWSL via Racing Louisville
On Saturday in Louisville, Racing midfielder Savannah DeMelo played in a National Women’s Soccer League game for the first time since September 14, 2025. DeMelo has been out for a year, having been taken to a local hospital where he suffered a heart attack and an “undiagnosed heart condition” during a game in Seattle.
With his team up 1-0 to the Utah Royals, he joined Louisville in the first minute of stoppage time, but the visitors equalized five minutes later. The U.S. midfielder admitted to being nervous as he walked in after the game, but excitement was the overriding emotion after the final whistle.
“I’ve been really looking forward to this moment and I’m really excited to be able to do it here [in Louisville]”Obviously I wish we could have taken the three points, but I think it was the best the team has done in a while and I think we should be proud of that performance. But stepping back on the pitch was definitely a surreal moment because sometimes I didn’t know I could do it again.”
DeMelo’s joy at his long-awaited return was evident in the beaming smile on his face as he ran onto the court to a standing ovation from the home fans.
“Just seeing that support and just knowing that people, even after a year, are still supporting me and still excited to see me means a lot and gives me a lot of confidence,” DeMelo said.
Race head coach Bev Yanez, like DeMelo, was disappointed to miss the game-tying goal in the final minute, but said DeMelo’s turnaround was bigger than football.
“Savin’s return tonight was something special. Being on the sideline when he came in, the shakes and tears in my eyes…we’re all so happy for him,” Yanez said. “It was such a joyous moment to have him back on the pitch, to get the crowd going – I know it’s something he’ll remember forever.”
