A BELOVED soccer star has died suddenly at the age of just 44.
Kelly Pierce was a former player and coach of team FC Tucson.
Kelly Pierce has passed away at the age of just 44, it has been announced[/caption]
Pierce was a former player a coach at FC Tucson, a mom of three and a partner[/caption]
The franchise made an announcement over her tragic passing at the weekend.
According to Tucson.com, she died last Friday following a sudden cardiac arrest.
She was a mom to a young family.
“Kelly was a talented and charismatic leader both as a player and a coach,” said Tuscon founder Jon Pearlman in a statement.
“She was committed to elevating not just women’s soccer but all women’s sports as a champion for gender equality.
“Most importantly, Kelly was a devoted mother and fierce advocate for not just her children or young female soccer players, but all children.”
Pierce had been coaching at the Salpointe Catholic High School in Arizona.
She leaves behind three sons and a partner, Joey.
The devoted mother won six state championships in eight years at Salpointe.
She also played for the team in her younger days.
“It is with heavy hearts that the Salpointe community shares the news of varsity women’s soccer Coach Kelly Pierce’s passing,” the school said in a statement.
“Kelly was a member of the class of 1999 and led the Lancers to six state championships in the past eight years.
“Our prayers are with her sons Tyler, Brady and Camden, partner Joey Bernier.
“Brother Jeff Pierce (member of our football coaching staff), her large extended family and the players that she loved so much.”
Pierce played for FC Tucson from 2013 to 2018 and coached the team from 2019 until 2023.
Their women’s head coach Caylee Carter issued a touching tribute.
The two played alongside each other at Tucson.
“I am heartbroken by her sudden passing,” she said.
“She leaves behind more than a legacy but a community of players, coaches, friends and family who will miss her deeply.
“I first met Kelly as a teammate in 2016 and quickly came to admire her leadership both on and off the field.
“Her strength, resilience, and unwavering dedication stood out not just as a player but as a person.”
