Sydney McCarthy is a Champion Scholar

#8 Sydney McCarthy’s shot is dead solid perfect. Photo Credit / Ronald Hanaki #8 Sydney McCarthy’s shot is dead solid perfect. Photo Credit / Ronald Hanaki
#8 Sydney McCarthy’s shot is dead solid perfect. Photo Credit / Ronald Hanaki
#8 Sydney McCarthy’s shot is dead solid perfect.
Photo Credit / Ronald Hanaki

By Halle Frisco
Staff Writer

Junior Sydney McCarthy was named the PSAC “Champion Scholar” for having the highest GPA of all the student-athletes on the Final Four PSAC field hockey teams.

She has a 4.0 and is majoring in exercise science with a concentration in pre-physical therapy. She hopes to attend graduate school for physical therapy in 2018.

“I hope to become a physical therapist who specializes with sports injuries or in pediatrics,” said McCarthy about her career plans.

ESU’s field hockey coaching staff, Sandy Miller and Katie Ord, often stress how important both academics and athletics are, which gave McCarthy the confidence to choose ESU for her college experience.

“I chose ESU because it was a nice distance away from home where I could meet new people and still spend time with my family. I wanted to attend a DII school where I could have a balance between academics and athletics, and ESU has allowed me to excel in both. Also, ESU had a strong Exercise Science Department where I could better my education,” said McCarthy.

Despite being a Division II school, ESU’s sports teams are highly competitive and have rigorous training schedules.

Being a student-athlete is not an easy task, but according to McCarthy, she finds it to be an easy balance to maintain.

“I don’t find it difficult to maintain a 4.0 throughout the season. I like how field hockey helps me manage my time throughout the week, and I believe it helps me maintain my grades. Field hockey makes it easier to visually plan my schedule each week mapping out times to study for exams and do homework,” said McCarthy.

McCarthy is a rising senior and looking forward to her final season.

“I am hoping to create more bonds and friendships with the team and the incoming freshmen and to create more memories along the way. I hope during my senior season the team comes together again and puts our efforts towards winning another PSAC and NCAA championship, but I hope more than anything the season is full of laughs and fun times with my family,” said McCarthy.

You can see McCarthy in action next fall for the women’s field hockey team’s 2017 season.

Email Halle at:
hfrisco@live.esu.edu