It is with great saddness that the Chicago community mourns the tragic loss of Kelly Peaurt, a dedicated coach with the American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) whose sudden passing has left countless families, players, and colleagues heartbroken.
Known throughout Chicago, IL, for her infectious passion for youth sports, Kelly’s unexpected death has prompted an outpouring of tributes honoring her lifelong commitment to nurturing young talent. Her influence as a mentor extended far beyond the field, shaping generations with lessons in resilience and camaraderie.
Kelly, a graduate of DePaul University with a degree in physical education, channeled her academic foundation into a fulfilling career as an AYSO coach for over two decades. She specialized in coaching girls’ under-12 teams, where her innovative drills and motivational style helped dozens of players earn scholarships to local high schools. Colleagues at the AYSO Chicago chapter recall her tireless organization of summer camps that blended soccer fundamentals with life skills workshops.
Beyond coaching, Kelly balanced her professional life with a vibrant family dynamic as a devoted wife and mother of three active teenagers. Her home in the Lincoln Park neighborhood often hosted post-game barbecues, fostering bonds among players’ families and turning practices into community events. She and her husband, a fellow educator, prioritized family outings, including annual trips to Wisconsin Dells for team-building retreats.
Kelly’s lifestyle reflected her energetic spirit, incorporating daily runs along Lake Shore Drive and weekend volunteering at Chicago’s urban gardens. She pursued hobbies like photography, capturing candid shots of her teams’ triumphs to create personalized yearbooks for each season. Her commitment to holistic wellness extended to leading yoga sessions for parents during practice waits, promoting balance amid busy schedules.
In her free time, Kelly immersed herself in Chicago’s cultural scene, frequently attending performances at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and exploring indie bookstores in Wicker Park. She was an avid baker, delighting her family with custom soccer-themed cakes for birthdays and tournaments. These pursuits underscored her belief in joy as a cornerstone of personal growth, a philosophy she instilled in every young athlete she guided.
Kelly Peaurt’s legacy as a beacon of encouragement endures in the Chicago soccer community, where her emphasis on teamwork and empathy continues to inspire. Though her life ended far too soon, the fields she once roamed will forever echo with the laughter and cheers of the children she empowered. Families across the city vow to honor her by supporting AYSO initiatives, ensuring her vibrant impact resonates for years to come.