Kelly Pierce, a beloved soccer coach and single mother of three, has died suddenly at 43 from cardiac arrest. Known for her championship wins and dedication to her players, she leaves behind sons Tyler, 22; Brady, 17; and Camden, 14.
Pierce led Salpointe Catholic High School’s girls’ soccer team to six state championships between 2018 and 2025. As a former student-athlete, she had also won two titles in 1998 and 1999. She coached in Tucson for nearly 20 years, serving as Director of Coaching at CDO Soccer Club and guiding FC Tucson Women to two conference titles.
“Kelly was a talented and charismatic leader both as a player and a coach,” said FC Tucson Founder Jon Pearlman. Teammates and colleagues remembered her as a fierce competitor, a dedicated mentor, and a loving mother. One tribute read, “Her impact on and off the field was profound and lasting. She will be missed.”
A GoFundMe in her honor has raised over $44,000 to support her younger sons. Her memorial service will be held on August 9 at Salpointe Catholic Gymnasium in Tucson.
