Steven McCarthy, Men's Soccer
Senior, Business Major
Centerville, Ohio
Photo Provided by Ohio State Athletics
2008 OAC Forward of the Year Steven McCarthy will be spending the summer before his senior season training with the Columbus Crew of the MLS. As part of that experience, McCarthy represented the Crew in the Annual Conner Senn Memorial Match against Ohio State on May 5. The senior-to-be got the start in the front line for the Crew and scored a goal in the 12th minute en route to a 3-1 victory for the Yellow and Black.
CU Sports Information Assistant Bryan DeArdo recently talked with the captain of the Crusader soccer team to discuss practicing with the Crew, his upcoming senior season, and what he likes to do when he's not kicking the soccer ball or hitting the books.
BD: You are currently practicing with the MLS champion Columbus Crew. How did this come about?
SM: Coach Dwight (Burgess) just talked to them about me coming out to train with them over the summer. I play on the scout team that scrimmages against the Crew's starters. I do all the things that are expected of the first team players.
BD: Were you star-struck the first day you came to practice?
SM: Oh definitely. I just kept my mouth shut the first day and took everything in. I've gotten more comfortable with every practice, and the guys have really welcomed me in.
BD: Who are some of the studs on the Crew that you've gotten to match up against?
SM: I've gone up against Chad Marshall and all of their defenders. I've played outside back, even though that's not my natural position. I've also gone up against Eddie Gavin and Danny O'Rourke.
BD: Have you marveled at the talent of any particular player?
SM: Guillermo Barros Schelotto. Watching the things he can do with the ball is just awesome. He's really fun to watch. Being from Argentina, he's pretty quiet and doesn't speak much English.
BD: Do you aspire to play professionally after graduation?
SM: To me, that's the ultimate goal. It's good to see where I need to go. I'm going to try to play soccer until someone tells me I can't. I'll try to make it here in the MLS or try my luck in Europe. When I can't play anymore I'll start to use my degree.
BD: What's been the best part about playing for Capital?
SM: Being able to come in and start right away. Six of us started from the get go. We all contributed right away. We finished second in the OAC our freshmen year, and we've won it the past two years. We have made winning the conference the expectation. That should be something that happens year in and year out.
BD: Winning the OAC regular season hasn't been a problem, but winning the tournament has been a challenge. Can you elaborate on that?
SM: We're 1-3 in OAC tourney play. As the top seed and having home field advantage, not winning it has been heartbreaking. We have to change our mentality. Everything has been accomplished here except for getting the OAC tournament championship, and playing in the NCAA tournament. I think that once we get into the NCAAs, we will really show the nation what this program is all about.
BD: You were an All-American in 2007 and have had other prestigious accomplishments. What's your individual goal for this season?
SM: I don't want to have a fall off my senior year. I want to finish strong and be at the level I know I can be at.
BD: Your brother Dan is a sophomore on the team. Talk about what it's been like playing with him here at Capital.
SM: It was a shock at pre season when I'm suiting up and I see him out there. He's a great player, and the fact that he has come here and excelled has been cool to see. It's a joy to play with him, and he's so good it makes it easy to play with him.
BD: Is there a brotherly rivalry?
SM: The rivalry is definitely there. As the older brother I expect to do better. At the same time, I want things to go well for him. So, he can do well and finish second to me (laughs). I tried to talk to him as an actual recruit when he looked into coming here. I wanted to make sure he came here because he wanted to come here.
BD: What's been the best part about being at Capital?
SM: How close knit the team is. Even out of the season, we spend a lot of time together. Our soccer team went to England for 10 days back in August, and that was one of the best trips I've ever been on. It's also been cool to become friends with other student athletes. I've just really enjoyed the people here and everyone I've met and went to school with.
BD: What does Steven McCarthy do when he's not playing soccer or studying?
SM: I do a lot of coaching which I really like. I coach a 12-year old rec team in Pickerington. I really just like to hang out and relax, especially in the off-season. I like to take a few months off just to avoid getting burned out. I just enjoy spending time with my friends and just relaxing, making sure I don't spend all my time on soccer.
BD: Are you a movie buff or a video game guy?
SM: I'm definitely a video game guy. I play FIFA a lot, Call of Duty, and NHL Hockey.
BD: What team do you play as when you play NHL Hockey?
SM: The Blue Jackets or the Red Wings. My Dad's a big Wings fan, and I've followed them too. I rooted for Columbus in the playoffs, and my Dad gave me a hard time after Detroit won the series.
BD: How do you see yourself utilizing your degree?
SM: I don't see myself as a guy who puts a suit on everyday and goes to an office. I'd like to try to stay involved in soccer, maybe use my degree to start a soccer program or run my own college program and be a coach.
BD: Finish the sentence, "I will."
SM: I WILL give my all, personally and towards my team. I want to lead by example and by being a leader.
I WILL graduate for my Mom. She's always made sure I stay on top of my grades. I've always promised her I'd get a degree.
I WILL be remembered as part of the group that turned the page for Capital soccer. I hope that my teammates and I will be regarded as being the best class that has ever come through here.