The Tucson soccer community is reeling from the profound loss of Kelly Pierce, a beloved figure who served as both a talented player and an influential coach for women’s soccer team FC Tucson. Her sudden passing at the age of 43 on Friday, reportedly due to sudden cardiac arrest, has left an indelible mark on those who knew her and the sport she championed.

As stated by FC Tucson founder Jon Pearlman, Kelly Pierce was revered as “a talented and charismatic leader both as a player and a coach.” Her unwavering commitment extended beyond the pitch, as she tirelessly advocated for the elevation of not just women’s soccer but all women’s sports, becoming a true champion for gender equality within the athletic landscape.

Beyond her professional accolades, Kelly was first and foremost a devoted mother, leaving behind three sons, Tyler, Brady, and Camden, and her partner, Joey. Her dedication to her family was paramount, mirroring her fierce advocacy for young female soccer players and all children, underscoring her nurturing and protective nature.

Pierce’s impressive coaching career included an impactful tenure at Salpointe Catholic High School in Arizona, where she led the Lancers to an astonishing six state championships in eight years. This remarkable record solidified her reputation as a formidable and inspiring leader in women’s soccer coach circles, a testament to her strategic acumen and ability to develop winning teams.

The Salpointe community expressed its deep sorrow, sharing the news of their varsity women’s soccer coach’s passing with heavy hearts. As an alumna from the class of 1999, Kelly Pierce’s connection to the school ran deep, and their statement included prayers for her sons, partner, brother Jeff Pierce (a member of their football coaching staff), her extensive family, and the players she cherished.

Caylee Carter, the current FC Tucson women’s head coach, remembered Pierce as “a role model who paved the way for female equality in the community.” Carter, who played alongside Pierce, highlighted the widespread grief, noting that Kelly leaves behind “more than a legacy but a community of players, coaches, friends and family who will miss her deeply.”

Carter further reflected on their shared time, telling KGUN9 that she first met Kelly as a teammate in 2016 and quickly came to admire her leadership. Her strength, resilience, and unwavering dedication were apparent not only as a player but also as a person, making her a truly inspiring figure within the Tucson soccer scene.

In their official statement, FC Tucson underscored that Pierce’s “dedication and passion for the beautiful game were unrivaled.” Her profound influence on her players and the broader community extended far beyond the confines of the soccer pitch, solidifying her status as an icon whose spirit will continue to inspire. The sudden nature of her passing has cast a somber shadow over the entire local sports community.