TUCSON, AZ —With heavy hearts and profound sorrow, FC Tucson confirms the sudden and heartbreaking passing of Kelly Pierce, a beloved former player, coach, and one of the true cornerstones of the Tucson soccer community. More than her accolades and victories, Kelly leaves behind a legacy of leadership, mentorship, and unwavering passion for the game—and for the people around her.
Kelly’s journey in soccer was marked by excellence from the very beginning. A two-time state champion at Salpointe Catholic High School, she continued her playing career at Pima Community College, earning All-ACCAC honors, and later took the pitch with the Sonoran Thunder of the WPSL. After stepping away from competitive soccer to raise her children—Tyler, Brady, and Camden—she returned to the field with unmatched energy, talent, and grace.
At 32, she became the heart and soul of the Tucson Soccer Academy FC WPSL team, leading by example as a standout defender and later earning All-WPSL, All-West Team, and Pacific South All-Star honors. As a player-coach, it was clear that her influence stretched beyond the pitch.
In 2014, she transitioned into high school coaching, first with Mountain View High School and eventually returning to her alma mater to lead Salpointe Catholic’s girls’ soccer program. Her leadership brought the program six state championships between 2018 and 2025, earning her multiple Coach of the Year honors and cementing her place as one of Arizona’s most respected coaches.
“Kelly was the heart and soul of our Tucson youth soccer scene,” said Amy Garelick Speder, former FC Tucson Women head coach. “She left her mark on so many players and families. It’s a huge loss for our community.”
Kelly’s impact extended beyond the touchline. She served as Director of Coaching at BVB International Academy and later at CDO Soccer Club, always with the goal of lifting others up—especially young girls in the sport.
Salpointe Athletic Director Phil Gruensfelder remembers Kelly as both a fierce competitor and an astute student of the game:
“She wanted the best for her athletes and will be greatly missed. She watched endless game film and was always looking for that edge. She brought the same intensity as a coach that she had as a player.”
Despite her accomplishments, Kelly remained humble. She often downplayed milestones like her 100th high school win in 2022, saying:
“It’s humbling. It’s exciting, but it’s been a long journey. I’m happy to still be here and still be a part of it and to be successful… It’s a process, and I’m really happy.”
But perhaps her most cherished role was being a mother. Kelly often called it her “most important defensive role,” and her pride in her children was matched only by the love she poured into their lives.
Her family—led by grandmother Lucy, mother Donna, and in memory of her father Keith, who passed in 2016—was always in the stands. They were her rock, her biggest fans, and now, her legacy bearers.
Behind the accolades was a woman who was fiercely loyal, quietly generous, and deeply thoughtful. She didn’t like being in front of the camera, but behind the scenes, she led with strength, humility, and authenticity. She lifted others, asked thoughtful questions, and built lasting connections that extended far beyond soccer.
To those who knew her, the pain of her absence is immense. But so is the gratitude for the time we were blessed to share with her.
Kelly Pierce was, and always will be, irreplaceable.
💛 A memorial service and celebration of life will be announced in the coming days. In the meantime, the Tucson soccer community is planning tributes in her honor, including a memorial match and scholarship fund for young women in soccer—details to follow.
Rest easy, Kelly. Your legacy lives on in every life you touched.
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