Calgary teen soccer player’s sudden death after game inspires new scholarship

A new scholarship will honour Sarah Cowie's legacy. The 16-year-old died earlier this month of cardiac arrest after a game.

The parents of a 16-year-old Calgary girl who died suddenly after playing in a soccer game are expressing their thanks to the community for their support.

Efforts are underway to establish a scholarship in Sarah Cowie’s name to help other athletes achieve their dreams.

Sarah loved soccer.

She took up the sport after the pandemic and played with the Calgary Rangers and New Frontier Soccer Club.

“She loved her team. She loved her coach. She loved being part of New Frontier,” said Sarah’s mom, Charlotte Cowie.

“You could see that every single day, every single time she grabbed her soccer bag or put on her cleats.”

Sudden death

After a game on May 16, Sarah’s parents said she felt dizzy, had trouble breathing and thought there might be a problem with her inhaler.

But she told her parents she was feeling fine, and they went for ice cream to celebrate.

Later, at home, she went to shower, and her parents found her unconscious in the bathroom.

“We immediately began CPR,” said Sarah’s dad, Michael Cowie.

“We’re both trained first aiders,” said Charlotte.

“So we started that immediately. I was on the phone with 911.”

Firefighters and EMS arrived moments later.

Despite everyone’s efforts, Sarah died.

The medical examiner told her parents there are signs she had an enlarged heart and experienced a sudden cardiac arrest.

“They have to do some genetic testing before they can confirm that. So right now, this is just their understanding of what took place,” said Michael.

“But there were no signs of any other things that could have led to this situation.”

Scholarship fundraising efforts

Sarah also enjoyed ballet, taekwondo and art.

The Grade 11 Ernest Manning High School student excelled in school and wanted to be an engineer.

New Frontier Soccer Club is now fundraising to establish a scholarship.

“The intention is to create something lasting that reflects who Sarah was, her love for soccer, her kindness, her work ethic and the sense of belonging she found within the game and our club community,” said club president Ross Quinton.

“Our focus as a club is supporting Sarah’s family, teammates, coaches and the many young players who are grieving this heartbreaking loss.”

Quinton said the fundraiser is also intended to help offset costs associated with Sarah’s celebration of life, which will be held May 31 at 1 p.m., at Evan J. Strong Funeral Home North in Calgary.

As of Friday afternoon, about $18,000 had been raised.

“Sarah’s family shared with us that soccer and her team meant the world to her and that New Frontier made her feel welcomed, valued and cared for,” said Quinton.

“As a club, that means a great deal to us, and we hope this scholarship can continue that legacy of belonging and opportunity for other young players.”

Advice for other parents

The Cowie family is overwhelmed by the compassion shown by their colleagues, employers, Ernest Manning High School and Connect Charter School teachers and staff, friends and neighbours.

“They’ve been truly amazing with how supportive they’ve been, their kindness, their compassion,” said Charlotte.

“Not just the club, but the girls on Sarah’s team and her coaches,” added Michael.

Sarah’s parents are advising other parents to learn as much as possible about family medical history and to appreciate everyday moments with their kids.

“If I could give one bit of advice to other parents out there after this situation, it’s this,” said Michael.

“Be a bit more kind, a bit more patient, and a bit more loving with your kids.

“Appreciate the everyday moments that make up our lives. You never know when it will be the last time you can do so, and you don’t always appreciate what you have until it’s gone.”