The Southern Arizona soccer community is reeling after the unexpected death of longtime coach and former player Kelly Pierce on Friday at the age of 43, as the New York Post reports.

Pierce, who was widely known for her leadership and advocacy for women’s sports across Southern Arizona, died from cardiac arrest, according to local sources.

Kelly Pierce’s influence on women’s and youth soccer in the Tucson area spanned more than a decade. She first rose to local prominence as a player, competing with FC Tucson Women from 2013 to 2018 and serving as a team captain. During that time, she helped lead the club to a first-place finish in the WPSL Big Sky North Division in their inaugural season.

While still active as a player in 2013, Pierce also held the position of head coach at Mountain View High School in Tucson. Her dual role as player and coach highlighted her deep commitment to the game and to mentoring young athletes. Her transition from athlete to full-time coach expanded her legacy even further.

In 2019, FC Tucson Women made Pierce their head coach, marking the beginning of another impactful chapter in her career. Over the next five seasons, she led the team to multiple successes, including two WPSL Desert Conference titles. Players and colleagues credited her with building a competitive culture grounded in discipline, development, and teamwork.

Impact felt far and wide

Outside the semi-professional arena, Pierce’s coaching career left a powerful imprint on the high school level. After coaching at Mountain View, she moved to Salpointe Catholic High School, where she guided the women’s soccer team to four state championships over an eight-year tenure. Her coaching style emphasized not only strategy and skill but also sportsmanship and personal growth.

Her influence extended beyond the field. FC Tucson Founder and President Jon Pearlman described Pierce as both a “talented and charismatic” figure in the sport and a dedicated advocate for gender equality in athletics. He emphasized that her contributions uplifted not just soccer, but all girls’ sports in the local community.

“Most importantly, Kelly was a devoted mother and fierce advocate for not just her children or young female soccer players, but all children,” Pearlman told KGUN9. His statement captured a side of Pierce that went beyond competition -- her commitment to mentoring and nurturing the next generation.

Role model remembered

Her dedication to excellence on and off the field left a deep impression on those she worked with. Caylee Carter, now the head coach of FC Tucson Women, recalled her early days as a teammate of Pierce's. “I first met Kelly as a teammate in 2016 and quickly came to admire her leadership,” Carter told KGUN9.

She elaborated that Pierce’s strength and consistency shaped not only how she played, but how she interacted with everyone around her. “Her resilience and unwavering dedication stood out not just as a player but as a person,” Carter added. Those who trained under Pierce often referenced her unique ability to connect with players on both an emotional and tactical level.

Pierce’s impact was also deeply felt within her own family. She is survived by her three sons: Tyler, 22; Brady, 17; and Camden, 14. Friends say her ability to balance her demanding coaching career while raising her children was a testament to her strength and devotion as a mother.

Lessons to learn

The sudden passing of Kelly Pierce is not just a loss for the sports world -- it’s also a sobering reminder about health, community engagement, and legacy.

1. Health screenings save lives. Sudden cardiac arrest can strike without warning. While we don't know all medical details in this case, regular checkups and heart health evaluations -- especially for athletes and those under stress -- can be important preventive tools.

2. Build support networks now. Pierce had a broad local support system through her family, teams, and school communities. Strengthening relationships and support networks in non-emergency times can help individuals and families cope if tragedy strikes unexpectedly.

3. Celebrate and preserve legacies. Sharing stories—like those about Pierce’s coaching and advocacy work -- helps memorialize the lives of those we’ve lost. It also sets an example for how individuals can make a real difference in their communities. Still, it’s important to remember that tragedy can happen to anyone. Victims should never be blamed for circumstances beyond their control.

Why this story matters

Kelly Pierce’s story resonates beyond the game of soccer. Her life stood for community involvement, women’s empowerment, and sportsmanship. Her sudden death leaves an unmistakable gap in the Southern Arizona sports landscape and brings attention to the importance of well-being and support systems for coaches and mentors just as much as for athletes.

The regional impact of her life and work reminds us of the significance one person can have on future generations. Whether it was guiding a high school team to victory or empowering youth players, her contributions helped shape countless lives.

Reflecting on a life cut short

The impact of Kelly Pierce’s sudden loss is being felt across high school and community soccer programs in the region. Her athletic background, coaching success, deep dedication to mentoring youth, and commitment to elevating women's sports garnered strong respect throughout Southern Arizona.

In every coaching position she held -- from Mountain View to Salpointe, and ultimately with FC Tucson Women -- Pierce made lasting changes that benefited hundreds of players and their families. Her championship wins at Salpointe Catholic High School still stand as a testament to her coaching excellence. Her leadership brought home titles but also inspired play built on respect and effort.

Her legacy will continue through the young women she coached, the colleagues who learned from her, and the sons she raised. As Southern Arizona mourns one of its most passionate advocates for girls’ sports, the community also celebrates a life that uplifted so many.