VESTAL, N.Y. – Binghamton University Athletics is mourning the sudden loss of former soccer captain and student-athlete Kayla Saager-Beckley '19, who died on Sept. 9 in Tulsa.

Saager, a newlywed, is survived by her husband, John Beckley, her parents Ron and Noranne and sisters Rachel and Veronica.

A native of East Islip, Saager was one of the most feared strikers to don a Binghamton uniform. She scored 22 goals in two seasons as a Bearcat (2017-18) and her tenure as a captain and team leader built the foundation for the program's recent run of success.

"Binghamton women's soccer is profoundly saddened by the passing of Kayla Saager-Beckley," head coach Neel Bhattacharjee said. "Kayla was a dangerous and dynamic forward with a true gift for finding the back of the net, and her contributions helped elevate the competitiveness and stature of our program. To this day we stand on her shoulders. Beyond the field, she was known for her big heart and her deep love of family. We are devastated by this loss and send our heartfelt sympathy and support to her parents Ron and Noranne and her husband John. Kayla, you are forever and always a Bearcat. May you rest in peace."

Known for her gritty play and determination on the field, including overcoming multiple knee injuries, Saager was equally beloved for her compassionate, family-centered focus off the field.

She came back to her home state and closed her collegiate career at Binghamton after early-career stops at NC State and West Virginia. In 2017, Saager lifted a Bearcat program that had finished last in the conference the previous year. Her 11 goals and 29 points led to an 11-4-4 record and share of the America East regular season title. Saager was named America East Striker of the Year, first team All-ECAC and second team All-Region. One year later, she again tallied a conference-best 11 goals and repeated as an all-conference and all-region selection. Her goals per game (0.53) and points per game (1.51) rank first in the program's Division I era.

After graduating with a degree in sociology, Saager embarked on a professional career that took her overseas to the Czech Republic. She then moved into coaching and served four years on the staff at Troy University (Alab.), where she earned her master's degree in health and physical education.

Most recently, Saager transitioned into college soccer scouting and recruiting and she and John moved to Tulsa and were married in June.

Saager's soccer roots began as an All-State player for East Islip High School on Long Island. Her vast club and ODP experience took Saager to Russia, where her 2013 ODP team won gold at the International Kuban Spring Championship in Sochi.