HAMILTON — Shortly after Jacob J. St. Phard declined an offer to play soccer at a particular college he’d visited, the teen’s club team coach Julian Richens received a phone call.
It was from the college coach, but he wasn’t upset. “He called to say what a great kid he was,” Richens said of St. Phard, who was killed by a train Sunday night in Hamilton.
Richens said he has several similar stories about St. Phard, because the Notre Dame High School senior was a spectacular young man and soccer player, he said.
St. Phard, left, in action in this 2014 file photo. “I am completely shocked and devastated,” said Richens, who coached St. Phard for three years on the East Brunswick Soccer Club’s EB United team.
Richens, who is also the men’s soccer coach at Saint Peters University in Jersey City, gathered the EB United players Monday to grieve and offer support.
Richens first met St. Phard – who went by the first name Coby – when the teen was 15. He said he was struck by how St. Phard already carried himself like a young adult. “He had the body and personality of a young man,” Richens said.
“He had the greatest personality, was the hardest worker on the team and was totally committed,” Richens said. “I can’t speak highly enough about him.”
Notre Dame soccer player killed by train
Richens is close to the St. Phard family as well, who he called great people. St. Phard’s mother, Rachelle St. Phard, was EB United’s manager this past season. “Our hearts are with his parents and his sister,” Richens said.
Richens said St. Phard, when he was not talking soccer, chatted about regular teenager things, likes girls and music. “This is just a complete and utter shock,” he said.
St. Phard, 18, of East Windsor, had committed to play soccer for Susquehanna University in Selinsgrove, Pa. He starred for Notre Dame in Lawrence, leading the Irish in assists and finishing second in goals for the 2015 season.
An investigation into St. Phard’s death is ongoing, officials said.
“Thank you to my parents, coaches, teammates, crazy friends, and even those not in my life anymore who have supported me and had a part in this process,” St. Phard said on a National Signing Day photo he posted to his Instagram account.
We say goodbye to a great player, friend, and person today ?? Its been an honor Coby❣ Gone but never forgotten ?? pic.twitter.com/e0wIYtOw1O
— ND Hooligans (@ndhshooligans) March 7, 2016
Kevin Shea may be reached at kshea@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter@kevintshea. Find The Times of Trenton on Facebook.
