At the age of 43, Kelly Pierce, a well-known personality in the women’s soccer community in Southern Arizona, passed very suddenly on August 1 from cardiac arrest. As an accomplished athlete and significant coach, she leaves a lasting legacy.
From 2013 to 2018, Pierce served as FC Tucson Women’s captain, leading the squad to its WPSL Big Sky North Division championship in 2013. Later, she coached the team to two Desert Conference titles while serving as head coach from 2019 to 2023.
Pierce was also a high school soccer coach at Salpointe Catholic, where she won four of her eight seasons as head coach, including state titles. In the past, she fostered local talent as a coach at Mountain View High School.
FC Tucson’s founder and president, Jon Pearlman, recalled Pierce as a dynamic leader and ardent supporter of sports fairness. Former player and current coach Caylee Carter characterized her as resilient, committed, and motivating on and off the court.
Tyler (22), Brady (17), and Camden (14) are Pierce’s three sons, who continued to support her in her role as a mother and mentor. Her numerous teammates, coworkers, and the larger soccer community she helped create will all be very saddened by her passing.