Family Mourns Loss of Former Binghamton Soccer Captain Kayla Saager-Beckley
The family of Kayla Saager-Beckley, a former Binghamton University soccer captain, shared a heartfelt message following her sudden death at 30.
The family of Kayla Saager-Beckley, a former Binghamton University soccer captain, has released a statement mourning her loss and that of her unborn daughter, who died on Sept. 9. Saager-Beckley, 30, collapsed and died unexpectedly in Tulsa, Oklahoma, approximately ten minutes after a workout. Her husband, John Beckley, is the Tulsa outside linebackers coach.
“Kayla was a beautiful, loving and unforgettable soul whose laughter, kindness and love touched so many lives,” the family said in their statement. “She and Sawyer will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew and loved them.”
The statement also provided details for funeral and celebration of life services, requesting that donations in memory of Kayla and Sawyer be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital or The Bee Foundation, an organization focused on brain aneurysm awareness, education, prevention, and research.
According to the Tulsa County Medical Examiner’s Office, an official cause of death determination could take an estimated three to six months as tests are concluded. Tulsa head football coach Tre Lamb stated during a press conference that Saager-Beckley was working out when she was found unresponsive.
Saager-Beckley had recently begun a career in college soccer scouting and recruiting. She and her husband, John Beckley, moved to Tulsa after his hiring to the coaching staff in 2025. They were married in June.
Binghamton University announced Saager-Beckley's passing on Sept. 10, remembering her for her "gritty play and determination on the field, including overcoming multiple knee injuries," as well as her "compassionate, family-centered focus off the field." During her time at Binghamton from 2017-2018, she scored 22 goals. She previously played professional soccer in the Czech Republic before transitioning to coaching. Saager-Beckley also served as an assistant coach at Troy University in Alabama for four years, where she earned her master’s degree in health and physical education.