Brendan Mooney ’05 was a four-year varsity athlete at RCDS, competing in both Soccer and Ice Hockey programs.

In soccer, RCDS finished first or tied for first in the FAA during Brendan’s junior and senior seasons (2003 and 2004). The 2004 team qualified for the Class B New England Tournament, marking the first time in many years that an RCDS Boys' Soccer team had reached that level. In his senior year, Brendan was named both All-FAA and All-New England. Over his four years on the team, he played both midfield and forward.

On the ice, Brendan was a key defenseman for the Boys’ Varsity Ice Hockey team, which enjoyed several strong seasons. Notable wins included victories over Saint George’s (2002), Brunswick (2003), and South Kent (2004). The team also took memorable trips to Quebec to compete against Canadian and U.S. prep schools at Stanstead College.

Brendan continued his soccer career at Bowdoin College, where he played four years on the Men’s Soccer team. The team placed second in the NESCAC Tournament during his freshman year and third in his sophomore year. Brendan played both winger and forward, and enjoyed competing at a high and challenging level of play. Some of his favorite memories include fall bus rides across New England to face rivals such as Middlebury, Williams, Amherst, and Trinity. His most memorable experience was a trip to Scotland in August 2007, where the team played several matches, including a victory over a youth team from the Glasgow-based professional club Rangers F.C.

Brendan reflects on his time within collegiate athletics, forming lifelong friendships and the camaraderie among teammates remaining one of the most cherished and meaningful parts of his collegiate experience. 

What was one of your favorite memories or moments when you were a student-athlete at RCDS?

Playing in the RCDS-Brunswick hockey games was always a huge thrill, especially with so many of our classmates coming out to support us. We competed hard in every matchup, managing one win and three ties over my four-year career. Much of the credit for our strong performances goes to my classmate Ryan Moses ’05, our standout goalie, whose play was truly exceptional.

What is a highlight of your career as a student-athlete, in college or beyond?

On a personal level: During my senior year at Bowdoin, I scored the game-winning goal in a 2–1 victory over Trinity College during the 50th Anniversary weekend of Men’s Soccer. The stands were full of alumni and my family, including my dad and sister. It was a moment I’ll never forget.

On a team level: Reaching the New England tournament in my senior year at RCDS was a highlight. That season was a powerful reminder of how essential teamwork and strong coaching are to success. While it may sound cliché, anyone who has been part of a great team knows how much those elements matter, even if they’re hard to define.

Did an RCDS coach inspire you? How so?

Bill Whittaker was an excellent soccer coach and leader. Coach Whittaker understood how to harness a strong team. He had a remarkable ability to mold a group of individuals, including standout talent like Dean Melitsanopoulos ’05, strong all-around athletes, into hardworking team players. He had everyone committed to the system and willing to work hard.

What is the most valuable thing you gained or learned from your time as a student-athlete at RCDS?

Balancing academics and extracurriculars is important as students move from high school to college and beyond. However, the most valuable lesson might be learning to be a true team player. Simply playing a team sport doesn’t guarantee that. Many players never develop that mindset. But for those open to it, sports can teach selfless teamwork. For example, in soccer, a winger may make an overlapping run not to receive the ball, but to create space for a teammate. Even knowing they likely won’t get the ball, they make the run for the good of the team. Embracing that mindset is a powerful lesson.

Once A Wildcat, Always A Wildcat!