Kelly Pierce was one of the greatest female soccer players in Southern Arizona’s history, according to sportswriter and friend Andy Morales.
Kelly, a former soccer star and coach, sadly passed away last week at the age of 44 from a heart attack.
She was a mother of three and led Salpointe Catholic High School in Tucson to six state championships in girls’ soccer between 2018 and 2025. Before coaching, she also won two state championships as a player in 1998 and 1999.
Kelly was well-known in her community for her soccer skills and had spent nearly 20 years working with youth soccer. A GoFundMe page set up in her memory shared how she inspired many young female athletes to believe in themselves and their strength.
“She was a quiet leader among her cousins who all loved and respected her,” said Rebecca Collins, the organizer of the GoFundMe.
Andy Morales wrote on social media that Kelly was “the most accomplished female soccer figure in Southern Arizona history.”
Kelly is survived by her three sons — Tyler, 22, Brady, 17, and Camden, 14 — along with her extended family.
“She will leave a big hole in her family and will be deeply missed,” Collins said. “Kelly’s life was all about her sons, her family, and soccer.”
