RJ Place, a West Hartford resident and senior at Northwest Catholic, will play soccer for College of Holy Cross.

Submitted by Kimberly Sanders Spera, Communications Director, Northwest Catholic High School

RJ Place ’15 (center) with his parents David and Karen Place. Submitted photo

Northwest Catholic soccer player and senior Robert Place formalized his commitment to compete in Division I college soccer at the College of the Holy Cross on Dec. 19, 2014, during a special ceremony at Northwest Catholic.

The son of David and Karen Place of West Hartford, RJ has been a member of the Varsity Boys’ Soccer team since his freshman year. He was named All-Academic all four years of high school, and All-Conference from his sophomore through senior seasons. RJ was named All-State as a junior and a senior, and served as a team captain during his senior year. He has played in 62 Northwest Catholic soccer games, 60 of which he was a starting player. He has also scored 42 goals for the team, and netted 24 assists.

“RJ has worked extremely hard at his trade since he got here four years ago,” said Athletic Director Matthew Martorelli ’03. “I am looking forward to hearing about his successes over the next few years.”

Since 1961, Northwest Catholic’s mission has been to educate the whole person: mind, body, spirit, and soul. Enrollment for the Class of ’19 is now under way, and prospective students are invited to the take the Entrance Exam at Northwest Catholic on January 24, 2015. For more information, contact Andrew Selig (860-236-4221, x140 or [email protected]).