FC Tucson has officially confirmed the sudden passing of Kelly Pierce, a beloved former women’s team captain and head coach.

FC Tucson has officially confirmed the sudden passing of Kelly Pierce, a beloved former women’s team captain and head coach. She passed away on the night of August 1, 2025, at just 44 years old. No cause of death beyond “sudden” has been disclosed publicly so far.New York Post+4FC Tucson+4https://www.kold.com+4

🕊️ Kelly Pierce — Remembering a Soccer Icon

🎖️ Contributions & Legacy

• 🌟 Player & Team Captain: Kelly starred as a defender and leader for Tucson Soccer Academy / FC Tucson Women from 2013 to 2018, helping the team win the WPSL Big Sky North Division in its inaugural season.This is Tucson+10KGUN 9 Tucson News+10New York Post+10

• 👩‍🏫 Head Coach (2019–2023): Guided FC Tucson Women to two WPSL Desert Conference titles and earned recognition as Desert Conference Coach of the Year.KGUN 9 Tucson News+2All Sports Tucson+2New York Post+2

• 🏆 High School Coaching Champion: Led Salpointe Catholic High School to six 4A state championships during an eight-year tenure (including 2018 through 2025).FC Tucson+6KGUN 9 Tucson News+6https://www.kold.com+6

❤️ Words from Those Who Knew Her

• Jon Pearlman, Founder & President of FC Tucson, called Kelly “a talented and charismatic leader … committed to elevating women’s soccer … a devoted mother and fierce advocate.”All Sports Tucson+15FC Tucson+15KGUN 9 Tucson News+15

• Caylee Carter, current FC Tucson Women’s head coach:

  “I first met Kelly … her strength, resilience and unwavering dedication […] she inspired young girls and women to stand strong … she leaves behind … a community … who will miss her deeply.”All Sports Tucson+5FC Tucson+5KGUN 9 Tucson News+5

📌 Incident Details & Follow-Up

• Kelly Pierce passed away on the night of August 1, 2025. Her death was reported by multiple local outlets, and no obituary or public memorial details are available yet.All Sports Tucson+1https://www.kold.com+1

• As of now, no funeral service or memorial arrangements have been announced.All Sports TucsonFC Tucson

• Reports suggest her passing was unexpected and unexplained in public statements, with at least one outlet attributing it to cardiac arrest, though that has not been officially confirmed.New York Posthttps://www.kold.com

Legacy & Impact

Kelly Pierce was widely recognized for elevating not only the standard of play in Southern Arizona but also the visibility and respect for women’s soccer. She was praised by players for her work ethic and authenticity—as one long-standing teammate and player said, “I love playing for Kelly … she has a lot of respect in Southern Arizona.”tucsonsentinel.com

Across two decades, she shaped careers, created champions, and built communities—her legacy reaching far beyond any single championship.