Sullivan County's McCarthy signs with Clarion

By: Brian Fees | Towanda Daily Review | February 9, 2018 | Photo courtesy Brian Fees

When Macy McCarthy looked at what was happening with the Clarion soccer team, she saw something very similar to what happened at Sullivan County.

It's what drew her to Clarion and made the Sullivan County star sign with the PSAC school for soccer.

"I like the environment," McCarthy said of Clarion. "How the coach there started with a program that didn't have a good season and he kept building to make it better."

When McCarthy started in high school the Griffins were a team struggling to find success. By this year the Griffins were a district playoff team.

"It's very similar," McCarthy said of Clarion and Sullivan County. "It's why I felt like I fit in so well there."

For McCarthy choosing a college has been on her mind for a long time, and she's happy she finally made a choice.

"I'm extremely excited," McCarthy said. It's like a huge weight was lifted off my shoulders. I have been thinking about it since freshman year. I visited a lot of schools from Division I to Division III and had my top three and Clarion was my number one."

McCarthy has always dreamed of playing in college, and a couple years ago she started to feel like it was a possibility.

"Probably the beginning of my junior year going to tournaments with my club team I got contacted by coaches and realized I had what it took to play in college," McCarthy said.

She had choices of schools at all different college levels, but Clarion is where she felt most comfortable.

"I think it was more of I wanted to go to college to make a difference for the team," McCarthy said. "Not saying I don't think I can play D1, but I didn't want to go to a school and sit on the bench, but wanted to go where I felt comfortable I could start maybe not freshman year, but sophomore year."

For McCarthy the plan the coaches have is her playing a central midfield position.

"He (the coach) wants me to work on my physicality," McCarthy said. "With my goal scoring history they want to move me up to the front line, but playing PSAC, Division II, they are not sure I'm big enough to hold my own."

McCarthy knows the physical style of soccer in Division II will be an adjustment.

"I have been to a few games, it's definitely a lot rougher than what I see at Sullivan County," McCarthy said. "The training I have and working with the personal trainers I have, it will be no problem I don't think and I'm excited for the challenge."

Playing in the PSAC means that McCarthy will get games close to home.

"We play at places like Lock Haven and Blooms that aren't that far away," McCarthy said. "It's great to have family and friends there to support me."

Clarion was the right fit for McCarthy academically, along with athletically.

"I am going to major in early childhood education," McCarthy said. "Clarion is one of the best coaching schools in the state. I want to pass along my soccer knowledge, so I will minor in athletic coaching to hopefully get a good base to become a coach later."

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