Updated: Sep 11, 2026
New York – Kayla Saager-Beckley, a former Division I soccer player, coach and college recruiting professional, is being remembered by family, friends, athletes and colleagues following her sudden death at the age of 33.
Saager-Beckley, who was from East Islip, New York, had been living in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where she continued her work in athletics and recruiting. She was associated with the National Scouting Report and was known to many through her career as an athlete and coach. A recent obituary report states that she died on September 9, 2026.
Her death has prompted an outpouring of grief from people whose lives she touched through soccer, coaching, friendship and family.
One tribute described Kayla as someone who became deeply woven into the daily life of a family she worked alongside. She arrived early each morning, stayed until the day’s responsibilities were complete and consistently placed the needs of others ahead of watching the clock.
The tribute recalled her role as an assistant, coach and trusted friend, describing her as a steady presence during difficult periods in both family life and business. One particularly treasured memory was Kayla teaching Chloe how to kick a soccer ball for the first time.
Her influence as a coach was also remembered by former players. Stephenie Pereff Mast described Kayla as a strong and energetic coach who had supported her during one of the darkest periods of her life. She recalled receiving encouragement and regular check-ins from Kayla, emphasizing the personal care she showed beyond the soccer field.
Kayla’s life also entered a new chapter in 2026 when she married John Beckley. Their wedding was scheduled for June 4 in Sayville, New York, according to their wedding website, which described a relationship that began during their time connected with athletics at Troy University.
At the time of her death, Kayla was also expecting a baby girl, Sawyer. Friends and family had looked forward to seeing her become a mother and imagining the life she would share with her daughter.
The circumstances surrounding Kayla’s death remain limited in publicly available reporting. Her cause of death has not been publicly disclosed, and it would be inappropriate to speculate about the circumstances without confirmation from her family or an authoritative source.
Those mourning Kayla continue to remember her for her athletic ability, dedication to coaching, generosity toward others and the relationships she built throughout her life.
Her legacy lives through the athletes she coached, the people she encouraged and the family and friends who will carry her memory forward. Her loved ones are now grieving both Kayla and the future they had imagined for her and her daughter, Sawyer.