Women’s Soccer Coach Kelly Pierce Dies Suddenly At 43

A high-profile women’s soccer coach based in Southern Arizona, Kelly Pierce suddenly died at 43 years old Friday after suffering cardiac arrest.

Pierce, who won championships as the leader of Salpointe Catholic girls soccer in 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2025, tragically passed away following a legendary career. Pierce also was a player “for two Salpointe state soccer champions in 1998 and 1999,” per Tucson.com. (RELATED: Tulane’s Gregg Glenn III Dead At 22 After ‘Tragic Accident’)

She leaves behind three sons: 22-year-old Tyler, 17-year-old Brady and 14-year-old Camden. Being involved with Tucson youth soccer for around 20 years, Pierce was also a coach for FC Tucson, and from 2013-17, she was the skipper for Mountain View High School.

“Kelly was a talented and charismatic leader both as a player and a coach,” said FC Tucson Founder and President Jon Pearlman while speaking with KGUN9. “She was committed to elevating not just women’s soccer but all women’s sports as a champion for gender equality.”

“She was so much more than coach. She was a mentor to the girls.”

The Tucson soccer community is mourning the sudden loss of Kelly Pierce. She inspired hundreds of athletes over the years, like Salpointe Catholic alum Emma Veliz.

Veliz says she strives to be like her everyday. pic.twitter.com/4jmTxcw9N6

— Jenna Fink (@jennamfink) August 4, 2025

“Most importantly, Kelly was a devoted mother and fierce advocate for not just her children or young female soccer players, but all children,” Pearlman added.

Currently the head coach of FC Tucson Women, Caylee Carter branded Kelly as dedicated and devoted when it came to soccer, and as a human being, she was terrific.

“I first met Kelly as a teammate in 2016 and quickly came to admire her leadership both on and off the field; her strength, resilience, and unwavering dedication stood out not just as a player but as a person,” Carter said.