Kelly Pierce Obituary – FC Tucson Mourns Sudden Loss of Beloved Coach, Former Player, and Champion for Women’s Soccer

TUCSON, AZ – Heartfelt Tributes Pour In Following the Sudden Passing of Kelly Pierce, Beloved FC Tucson Coach and Soccer Pioneer

With heavy hearts and profound sadness, the FC Tucson organization has confirmed the sudden and tragic passing of Kelly Pierce — a former standout player, influential coach, and cherished figure in the Tucson sports community. Kelly’s unexpected death has sent shockwaves through Southern Arizona’s athletic circles, leaving behind a deep void in the hearts of her players, colleagues, family, and the countless lives she touched over the years.

Kelly Pierce was more than just a coach; she was a mentor, a leader, a tireless advocate for women in sports, and a beacon of inspiration for young athletes across the region. As the head coach of the FC Tucson Women’s team, Kelly was instrumental in building not just a competitive squad, but a culture of resilience, unity, and integrity. Her presence on the sidelines was commanding yet compassionate, her guidance both tactical and deeply personal.

A former star on the field herself, Kelly played with a passion and grit that became the hallmark of her teams. Her playing career, which included stints at the collegiate and semi-professional levels, was marked by a fierce dedication to the game and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Those who played alongside her or watched her compete still remember her intensity, skill, and unshakeable drive — qualities she would later bring to her coaching career with transformative impact.

Kelly’s coaching legacy in Tucson spans over a decade and extends beyond FC Tucson. She worked with countless youth athletes, high school teams, and community programs, always bringing the same commitment to mentorship and development, whether she was leading an elite squad or running drills with aspiring 10-year-olds. For Kelly, it wasn’t just about winning — it was about building character, instilling discipline, and cultivating confidence in every player she encountered.

In a statement, FC Tucson wrote:
“Kelly was the heart and soul of our women’s program. Her leadership on and off the pitch set the standard for what we strive to be as a club. She empowered young women to believe in themselves, to work hard, and to play for something bigger than themselves. We are devastated by her loss and extend our deepest condolences to her family, friends, and the entire soccer community.”

Tributes have poured in from across the state and beyond. Former players described Kelly as a “second mother,” “role model,” and “the kind of coach every athlete dreams of having.” Fellow coaches lauded her as a peerless motivator and a fierce competitor who elevated the standard of women’s soccer in the region. Parents thanked her for believing in their daughters, for demanding their best, and for always showing up with encouragement, wisdom, and a smile.

In addition to her role with FC Tucson, Kelly was a devoted community servant. She often volunteered her time for local causes, organized charity matches, and advocated tirelessly for more resources and visibility for women’s sports in Arizona. Her impact was not confined to the field; it was deeply woven into the fabric of Tucson’s broader community.

Kelly Pierce’s passing is not only a loss for FC Tucson, but a tremendous loss for the entire city — especially those within the youth soccer and high school athletic communities. Her influence will continue to resonate through the players she mentored, the programs she built, and the lives she helped shape. Her legacy is one of strength, compassion, and an unshakable belief in the power of sport to change lives.

She is survived by her loving family, close friends, her FC Tucson family, and hundreds of athletes who carry her lessons and spirit with them every time they step onto the pitch. In the days ahead, FC Tucson plans to honor Kelly’s legacy with a series of commemorations, including a memorial match and the establishment of a scholarship fund to support young women pursuing soccer at the next level — a cause Kelly championed passionately throughout her life.

As Tucson grieves, it also remembers and celebrates a life well-lived — one defined by leadership, love, and an unrelenting commitment to uplifting others. Kelly Pierce may be gone, but her influence remains eternal.

Rest in peace, Coach Kelly. Your legacy lives on — in every goal, every practice, and every young woman you empowered to dream bigger.