'A big impact': Community mourns loss of former Brookfield Academy star soccer player who died Sunday

MENOMONEE FALLS, Wis. (CBS 58) -- The community is mourning the loss of a former Brookfield Academy star soccer player who died Sunday, Dec. 7, while at college.

Nineteen-year-old Claire Tracy of Menomonee Falls is being remembered as a smart, kind, athletic powerhouse.

She was in her sophomore year at Rice University in Houston, Texas as a finance major.

Records show Tracy died by suicide.

"At first shock, disbelief and sadness. It's not something I ever expected and still praying for the family. Devastating," said Shan Amini, the president of SC Wave, which Tracy had participated in while she lived in Wisconsin. "She's a great person."

Amini recalled how "dominant" Tracy was as an athlete, mainly taking on the male players.

"She was an overachiever on the soccer field, nationally recognized," Amini said. "She was an outstanding student, so everyone had a lot of respect for everything she was doing, not only on the field but off the field."

Brookfield Academy Varsity Head Soccer Coach Lee Rogers said he had the privilege of coaching Tracy throughout her high school years.

"Claire had the unique distinction of being the only player ever to receive Conference Player of the Year honors all four years. She led the Blue Knights to their second-ever state championship her freshman year, finishing her time on the field with more than 100 goals," Rogers said to CBS 58 in a statement. "To me, that was only secondary. Claire had an unparalleled determination and spirit. Her leadership on the field, her desire to win, and her passion to do whatever she could to help her teammates achieve success was what was most impressive."

Brian Lee, Rice University's head soccer coach, also released a statement noting that the "entire Rice soccer community mourns the loss."

"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," the statement continued.

Bridget Gorman, the dean of undergraduates, also sent a statement encouraging anyone grieving, whether they knew Tracy personally or not, to reach out for support.

"We are thinking of them. This is not something that's going to go away for us," Amini said. "We're going to do everything we can to make sure she's remembered as a player."

If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, there is help. Call 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Hotline or text HOME to 741741.