Maryville University mourns the loss of assistant women's soccer coach Joel Roschnafsky, who passed away at the age of 34 on Friday, April 25, after a long battle with stomach cancer.

"On behalf of the entire Maryville University community, I wish to extend our deepest sympathies and our prayers to Joel's family and friends during this difficult time," Director of Athletics Marcus Manning said. "Today we join the soccer community in remembering one of the great souls in the sport. As a Maryville graduate, Joel put his heart and soul into the Saints program as both a player and coach."
 
"Joel meant so much to Maryville University and the women's soccer program," head women's soccer coach Eric Delabar said. "For me, he was like a brother, a son, and a best friend, all in one.  We traveled so much together, saw so many games together, talked so much soccer and truly enjoyed the greatest game in the world through each other.
 
"For the girls he coached, he was simply the best coach/trainer they ever had," Delabar said. "He understood the game better than anyone, was able to make significant adjustments during games, was a great practice planner and could communicate his thoughts so well. Anyone who had the opportunity to play with Joel, to coach with Joel, or had the opportunity to get to know Joel, knows and understands what an inspiration he was and what he meant to each and every one of us. He is loved, and always will be, and we will miss him so much. We are ALL IN!"
 
In 2013, Roschnafsky finished his tenth season as a women's assistant soccer coach at Maryville and his eleventh year overall with the Saints soccer program. As a student-athlete, he was an accomplished three-year starter for the Saints men's soccer team and a member of the 1998 St. Louis Intercollegiate Conference championship team. Roschnafsky was a second-team All-SLIAC selection in 1998 and was All-SLIAC honorable mention in 1999.
 
Roschnafsky graduated from Maryville with a bachelor's degree in health sciences in May 2003 and also earned a master's degree from the University in physical therapy in September 2003. He worked as a clinical director at PRORehab Physical Therapy in O'Fallon, Mo.
 
Roschnafsky is survived by his wife, Sasha; his parents, Rebecca and Kurt; and his brother, Ryan.

The University's support staff and grief counselors are available to assist all students and employees in coping with the loss of Roschnafsky, a beloved member of the Maryville community.