20-year-old two-sport high school standout killed at Glendale Avenue apartment complex
A promising young life was cut short this week in Phoenix, as Kendre Pride — once a rising football and basketball star at Carl Hayden Community High School — was fatally shot outside an apartment building Friday evening. He was just 20.
Police say they responded to reports of gunfire shortly after 5 p.m. on June 7 near 32nd and Glendale avenues. When officers arrived at the apartment complex, they found Pride with at least one gunshot wound. Emergency medical personnel at the scene pronounced him dead.
A beloved talent gone too soon
Kendre Pride wasn’t just an athlete — he was a beacon of energy, optimism, and heart for his teammates, friends, and coaches. Back in 2022, he made headlines in Phoenix high school sports as a dual-sport star, dominating the field as a running back and owning the court as a basketball guard.
“He was a great kid,” said a former assistant coach from Carl Hayden who requested anonymity due to the ongoing investigation. “One of those kids who shows up early, works hard, and always keeps the mood light. This is devastating.”
A talented athlete with big dreams, Pride had once considered transferring to Basha High School in Chandler, a move that would have placed him in a top-tier football program. But those plans didn’t materialize.
Police hunt for leads, seek public help
The Phoenix Police Department confirmed Monday that homicide detectives are actively working the case. At the time of this report, there have been no public announcements regarding suspects or arrests.
According to Sgt. Rob Scherer, investigators are urging anyone with information to contact Silent Witness — 480-WITNESS in English or 480-TESTIGO for Spanish speakers. Tipsters can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward if the information leads to an arrest.
One neighbor, who asked not to be identified for safety concerns, said she heard “several loud pops” followed by the sound of tires screeching. “I didn’t know what it was at first — thought it might be fireworks. But then people started screaming.”
Police have not released any potential motive. Investigators are also reviewing security footage from nearby buildings and canvassing the neighborhood.
Not his first time in the headlines
Kendre Pride’s name was already familiar in Arizona high school sports circles before his tragic death. In the 2021–2022 season, he posted solid numbers in football and brought intensity to Carl Hayden’s basketball squad.
During his junior year:
-
He rushed for over 800 yards and scored 10 touchdowns.
-
On the basketball court, he averaged 14 points per game and played aggressive defense.
Local sports journalists, coaches, and players alike had pegged him as a name to watch.
“I covered him in a couple of Friday night games,” said local reporter Devin Hall. “Fast, smart, just a solid player. He had grit. He had fire.”
Gun violence shadows Arizona youth
This isn’t the first time Phoenix has lost a young athlete to gun violence — and it likely won’t be the last. The city has seen an uptick in youth-involved shootings in recent years, alarming residents and city officials alike.
Community leaders say it’s not just about guns, but about a lack of mentorship, after-school programs, and access to opportunity.
“We’re losing our kids in the streets,” said Anthony Morales, a community activist in West Phoenix. “There’s too much silence. We have to speak up. Not just when it’s someone famous. But every time.”
A silence that echoes beyond sports
For many who knew Pride personally, this tragedy isn’t just about stats or headlines. It’s about a young man who had dreams — dreams that extended beyond touchdowns and layups.
His former teammate, Malik G., shared an emotional post on Instagram the night of the shooting: “You were gonna make it, bro. We all knew it. I’m broken.”
The Carl Hayden school community plans to hold a candlelight vigil later this week on campus, where Pride’s high school achievements will be honored. Alumni have already begun sharing photos, game-day memories, and notes of grief across social media.
