Former NCAA soccer standout and professional footballer Kayla Saager-Beckley died unexpectedly at age 30 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The cause of death remains unknown. Saager-Beckley was pregnant with her first child, a daughter named Sawyer, at the time of her passing.
Sudden Collapse During Exercise
Tre Lamb, head coach of the Tulsa football team where Saager-Beckley’s husband, John Beckley, serves as an assistant coach, described the moments leading to her death. “She was exercising and, 10 minutes later, they found her unconscious,” Lamb reported.
Lamb shared further details on the personal loss facing the family and the coaching staff. “Kayla was pregnant with their daughter, Sawyer. It has been a difficult time for our coaching staff. Last night we held a service in her memory. We only ask that you please pray for the Saager and Beckley families”.
Binghamton University Mourns Program Legend
Binghamton University confirmed the news with a statement highlighting her historic impact on the women’s soccer program. “The Binghamton women’s soccer team is deeply saddened by the passing of Kayla Saager-Beckley”.
The university’s coach remembered her elite scoring ability. “Kayla was a dangerous and dynamic forward, with an innate gift for scoring goals, and her contributions helped raise the competitiveness and prestige of our program,” recalled the Binghamton coach.
Record-Setting Collegiate Career
Saager-Beckley’s collegiate career spanned Binghamton, NC State, and West Virginia. She was named “America East Forward of the Year” and selected to the first team “All-ECAC”.
Her statistical dominance at Binghamton remains unmatched; her average of 0.53 goals and 1.51 points per match ranks first in university history.
Professional and Post-Playing Career
Following her NCAA career, Saager-Beckley played professionally in the Czech Republic. Recently, she had transitioned into a career in scouting and recruiting footballers.
