Rice University Mourns Claire Tracy, 19: Sophomore Soccer Player Dies; Campus Remembers Her Spirit

Claire Tracy, a 19-year-old sophomore and member of Rice University’s women's soccer program, died on Sunday, Dec. 7, university officials confirmed in a message to the campus community on Dec. 8. Tracy was a finance major and a promising student-athlete whose passing has prompted an outpouring of condolences across the Rice community.

Bridget K. Gorman, Rice’s Dean of Undergraduates, announced the student’s death in a campus message. "It is with deep sadness that I am writing to tell you that Claire Tracy, a second-year undergraduate student, passed away on Sunday," Gorman wrote. The university did not disclose a cause of death.

Campus And Team Response

"The entire Rice soccer community mourns the loss of Claire Tracy. Our thoughts and prayers go to Claire’s friends and family and to the many current and former teammates, whose lives were impacted by Claire’s kindness. She will forever be in our hearts." — Brian Lee, Head Coach, Rice Women’s Soccer

Rice University President Reggie DesRoches opened his annual State of the University address on Dec. 8 with a moment of silence for Tracy, noting that she "was deeply connected to many students and known for her Rice spirit." Students, teammates and alumni shared messages of grief and memories of Tracy’s warmth on social media.

Background And Achievements

Tracy signed a national letter of intent in November 2023 to play Division I soccer at Rice. Her high school, Brookfield Academy in Wisconsin, celebrated the signing and shared photos from the event, congratulating her and her family.

Before arriving at Rice, Tracy participated in a high school lab internship and described the experience as a formative opportunity to apply chemistry concepts and gain hands-on skills. According to her LinkedIn profile, she was active on campus as a member of Rice Women in Business, the Social Impact Committee and the Rice Eclipse Finance Board.

Remembrance

Friends, coaches and classmates remembered Tracy for her kindness, campus spirit and intellectual curiosity. The Rice community continues to offer condolences to her family and support to one another while grieving the loss.