Beloved Soccer Coach & Mom of 3, Kelly Pierce, Dies at 43 — Details

Kelly Pierce, a celebrated soccer coach and single mom of three, has died suddenly, leaving behind a legacy of championship wins, community impact, and fierce devotion to her sons.

Kelly Pierce's death has left a deep void in Arizona's soccer community, where she spent decades shaping young athletes, building winning teams, and raising her children as a single mother.

She died from sudden cardiac arrest on Friday, August 1, 2025, at the age of 43. Even with her deep dedication to soccer, her greatest pride was her sons, Tyler, 22; Brady, 17; and Camden, 14.

In a March 2025 radio interview, Pierce gave a glimpse into her day-to-day life. When asked if she ever got a chance to slow down and unwind, she replied, "Not really, you know, single mom life, you know, actually in a parking lot getting ready to go grocery shopping after work today."

Pierce served as the head coach of Salpointe Catholic High School's girls' soccer team. She led the program to six 4A state championships within eight years — in 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2025. Her connection to the school went back decades. As a student-athlete, she helped Salpointe win state titles in both 1998 and 1999.

Her coaching career began at Mountain View High School, where she led the girls' program from 2013 to 2017. She was also active in the broader youth soccer scene, coaching in Tucson for nearly 20 years. Her Instagram bio listed her role as Director of Coaching at CDO Soccer Club.

Between 2013 and 2018, Pierce played for both Tucson Soccer Academy (TSA) and FC Tucson Women. She captained the team and played a key role in its inaugural WPSL season in 2013, helping TSA claim first place in the Big Sky North Division.

In 2019, she stepped into the role of head coach at FC Tucson Women and led the squad to two WPSL Desert Conference titles before concluding her tenure in 2023. "Kelly was a talented and charismatic leader both as a player and a coach," said FC Tucson Founder and President Jon Pearlman.

He also described her as a tireless advocate, not just for the sport but for the young athletes she coached. She was widely recognized for her drive, fairness, and strong voice in promoting gender equality in sports.

Her death has left a significant void for the many lives she touched — as a teammate, coach, colleague, and mentor. "I first met Kelly as a teammate in 2016 and quickly came to admire her leadership both on and off the field," stated Caylee Carter, the current head coach of FC Tucson Women.

She also highlighted the remarkable qualities that defined her both on and off the field. According to her, it was not just athletic skill that stood out, but a deep strength, resilience, and unwavering dedication that marked her character as much as her performance.

Charlie MacCabe, who collaborated closely with her during their time at FC Tucson Women, spoke highly of her dedication and thoughtful approach to the game. He described her as a rare talent, both as a player and a coach, whose strategic brilliance and motivational skills consistently brought out the best in every team she led.

Her success, he emphasized, was no accident. Behind the scenes, she invested countless hours into planning training sessions, analyzing opponents, reviewing game footage, and maintaining open communication with players and staff.

She was a fierce competitor, a fair and principled leader, and, as her impressive record reflects, a true winner. On a personal note, he added, "I will remember her dedication to her kids, her big heart, and her great sense of humor. She will be missed."

A message posted on FC Tucson Youth's Instagram page read, "FC Tucson Youth is stunned and devastated by the sudden passing of Kelly Pierce... Her impact on and off the field was profound and lasting. She will be missed."

Her loved ones shared a similar sentiment in a GoFundMe page launched in her honor, which has since raised more than $44,000 — far surpassing the original $10,000 goal. "Kelly's only intention in this world was to ensure her boys were always taken care of," part of the message stated.

The fund will help support Brady and Camden, her two younger sons, through a family-established trust to assist with their education, healthcare, and other needs in the years to come.

A memorial service for Pierce will take place on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at 4 p.m. at the Salpointe Catholic Gymnasium, 1545 E. Copper Street in Tucson. A reception will then follow.