Kelly Pierce, a former standout soccer player and head coach of Women’s Premier Soccer League FC Tucson, passed away on August 1, 2025, at an untimely age of 43, leaving her family and loved ones devastated.
According to some reports, the cause of the untimely death of Kelly Pierce was a cardiac arrest.
Kelly was an outstanding coach who led FC Tucson Women to two WPSL titles during her tenure from 2019 to 2023.
In addition to FC Tucson, Kelly Pierce also served as the head coach of her alma mater, Salpointe Catholic High School, leading her team to a remarkable 6 4A state championships in 8 years.
Prior to her coaching career, Kelly Pierce was a four-year starter at Salpointe Catholic High School from 2013 to 2018. While at high school, Kelly helped the team win back-to-back state championships.
Kelly was also a first-team all-state selection and continued her soccer journey at Pima Community College and one season with the Sonoran Thunder of the WPSL.
The untimely death of beloved Arizona coach, Kelly Pierce, has left a profound void in the lives of her family, friends, and loved ones.
Many of her loved ones are paying tribute to the late Kelly Pierce and extending their heartfelt condolences to her family during this difficult time.
One wrote:
“It’s with an extremely heavy heart I share that we’ve lost another friend, Legendary ⚽️ Coach Kelly Pierce. May God help her family get through this toughest of times. To all of you…please remember that tomorrow is not promised.Live and Love every day❤️🙏🏼Coach Kelly was always great to Rylen and we’ll forever be grateful for that.Rest in peace Coach🙏🏼.”
Toby Bourguet
Another added:
“Kelly was always so generous with her time as a coach and athlete. She was shy and didn’t really like doing interviews, but was always welcoming in our coverage of her programs at FC Tucson Women and Salpointe Catholic.Always in Power.”
David Scott Kelly
Kelly Pierce is Survived By Her Three sons, Siblings, Mother, and The Whole Family
The former FC Tucson head coach, Kelly Pierce, was not just an amazing athlete and coach but also a great mother to her three sons, Tyler Angelley, Brady, and Camden, whom she shared with former husband, Drew Kearns.
Furthermore, all three of her sons, Tyler Angelley (22), Brady Kearns (17), and Camden Kearns (14), are following in the footsteps of their late Kelly Pierce in sports and are incredible athletes.
Tyler Angelley played Boy’s Varsity Football at his mother Kelly’s alma mater, Salpointe Catholic High School in Tucson, Arizona, from which he graduated in 2021. He is currently pursuing his bachelor’s degree and football journey at Arizona State University.
Similarly, Kelly’s second child, son Brady Kearns, plays varsity football at Canyon del Oro High School and is set to graduate in 2026. Her youngest son, Camden, is also pursuing his football career.
In addition to her sons, Kelly Pierce also leaves behind her partner, Joey Bernier, brothers Jeff (Amy) Pierce and Donald (Ashley) Pierce, mother, Donna Nagore Pierce, several nieces and nephews, and the whole family.
Kelly Pierce was preceded in death by her father, Keith Pierce, who passed away on April 15, 2016, at the age of 58 after a courageous battle against cancer.
Her contribution to the Tucson, Arizona, community as a coach and kind human being will always remain in the hearts of her loved ones.
Furthermore, the Tucson, Arizona, community has created a GoFundMe page to help Kelly’s sons financially. The fundraiser aims to collect $28k, and to date, around $20,454 has been raised.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- The late Kelly Pierce was named the Arizona Republic’s All-Arizona Coach of the Year across all classes.
- As a player, Kelly led the team to a first-place finish in the WPSL Bigh Sky North Division in the league’s inaugural season.
- Kelly served as Director of Coaching at BVBIA Arizona in 2023-2024.
