Remembering Kelly Pierce
Kelly Pierce, a Tucson native and beloved figure in local soccer, passed away suddenly on the night of August 1, 2025 A player, coach, and mentor whose impact spanned decades, her legacy is woven through every corner of Arizona’s youth and women’s soccer.
Career Highlights & Legacy
As a Player:
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Pierce starred at Salpointe Catholic High School, winning back-to-back state championships as a defender in 1998 and 1999, and earning all-state honors
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She continued her playing career at Pima Community College and then for the Sonoran Thunder in the WPSL.
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In 2014, as a veteran leader and captain with Tucson Soccer Academy FC (the organization now known as FC Tucson Women), she earned All-WPSL, All-West Team, and Pacific South All-Star honors
As a Coach:
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In 2017, she began her coaching journey as an assistant coach for FC Tucson Women under Amy Garelick
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She was named head coach of FC Tucson Women in May 2019, succeeding Garelick and carrying forward her predecessor’s culture of excellence
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That same year, she led FC Tucson Women to a 6‑1‑1 record, sharing top honors in the Pac South Conference’s Desert Division. She was named Desert Division Coach of the Year in the WPSL, while FC Tucson earned its second Franchise of the Year award
Local Leadership:
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At her alma mater, Salpointe, she achieved remarkable success as head coach, leading the girls’ soccer program to six state championships between 2018 and 2025
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Known for her relentless drive—“I hate losing more than I love winning”—she fostered a winning, respectful, and community-oriented environment both at FC Tucson and in high school programs
💬 Voices from the Community
Long-time observers and colleagues have shared reflections on Kelly’s character and influence:
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Amy Garelick, her former mentor, described Kelly as “the heart and soul of our Tucson youth soccer scene”, noting her ability to carry on the Salpointe legacy and leave a lasting mark on countless players and families
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A former player and assistant coach reflected:
“Kelly was a natural fit… she had such a great rapport with the players. She is someone young women want to play for.”
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Another former FC Tucson player stated:
“A lot of the girls come back to play specifically for Kelly… She has a lot of respect in Southern Arizona.”
Community Impact
The news of Kelly’s passing on August 1, 2025 stunned the soccer community in Tucson. Her presence extended far beyond the touchlines—she provided leadership, encouragement, and inspiration to players of all ages.
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FC Tucson Women and the wider women’s soccer community have lost a guiding force, someone deeply invested in the growth and development of the sport locally.
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Players she coached at both Salpointe and FC Tucson revered her not only for her tactical acumen but for her character and heart.
📊 Coaching & Playing Highlights
| Role | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Player | Salpointe state titles (1998–1999); Pima College; Sonoran Thunder (WPSL); All‑WPSL honors 2014 |
| Coach – FC Tucson | Named head coach in 2019; Desert Division Coach of the Year; undefeated seasons; Franchise of the Year honors |
| Coach – Salpointe | Six state championships between 2018–2025 |
| Community Impact | Mentor to generations of players; respected leader and role model |
In Loving Memory
Kelly Pierce’s passing leaves a profound void in the Tucson soccer landscape. Her accomplishments—both on the field and from the sidelines—reflect a life dedicated to excellence, teamwork, and empowerment through sport. As tributes pour in, it’s clear she was much more than a coach; she was a beloved role model.
No memorial or service details have been publicly shared as of yet
Condolences go out to her family, her players, and everyone touched by her legacy. She will be deeply missed, but her impact endures through the community she helped build.
Would you like assistance finding tributes, memorial arrangements, or ways to support the programs she shaped?
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