‘It’s a really big loss for all of us’: Former soccer coach shares memories of Karoline Heintz
PITTSBURGH —
Tributes continued to pour in for a young soccer star who was murdered last week.
Karoline Heintz, a recent Peters Township graduate, made a name for herself in the world of Western Pennsylvania sports.
“She was certainly a player that understands the game. A player that was very composed. She was good on the ball,” Marcelo Antonelli told Pittsburgh’s Action News 4 Reporter Jordan Cioppa. “She was very competitive, but at the same time, very kind.”
Antonelli coached Heintz during the 2024-25 season of the PA West Soccer Olympic Development Program.
He remembered the way she dominated the field at an end-of-season tournament in New Jersey.
“She was our rock as a center back. Probably, that was the best ODP team I coached these past years. And having her as a center back was phenomenal for us,” Antonelli said.
Heintz also played for Victory Soccer Club in Washington. She was preparing to take her soccer career to the next level at PennWest California.
“She certainly had all the attributes to play college. She was very dedicated. She had all the physical capabilities to be a player at the college level,” Antonelli said.
Heintz was found dead in California Borough last week after police said her boyfriend, Royce Moser, stabbed her with a knife. His mother, Rachel Moser, was charged with allegedly helping to cover up the murder.
Peters Township field hockey paid tribute to their former teammate over the weekend. Players from across the region put their sticks outside and posted photos to social media using the hashtag #SticksOutforKaroline.
USA Field Hockey shared the following online tribute.
“USA Field Hockey is deeply saddened by the tragic passing of Karoline Heintz, former Peters Township Field Hockey athlete. We extend our heartfelt condolences to their family, friends, teammates, coaches and all those impacted by this devastating loss. Our thoughts are with Peters Township High School, PennWest California University, and the entire community during this incredibly difficult time.”
Heintz will be honored at her alma mater later this week. The Peters Township cheer squad encouraged people to wear purple to the high school football game on Friday night to raise awareness of domestic violence.
“It is a big loss. Someone talented like her, kind like her, about to start college, you know, just starting her pre-season of college. It is a really big loss for all of us,” Antonelli said.
As of Monday night, a GoFundMe had raised nearly $57,000 of its $60,000 goal. Organizers said the money will go toward a scholarship in Heintz’s honor, in addition to domestic violence awareness groups.