LYNNFIELD — Surrounded by family, friends, and tennis teammates, Shea McCarthy made it official in the Lynnfield High gymnasium, signing an NCAA Letter of Intent to play tennis at Methodist University in Fayetteville, N.C.
McCarthy said knowing where he will be going to college brings a sense of relief.
“It’s good to know that I am going to college and going to play tennis; it’s just cool knowing that, and it definitely takes a lot of stress away,” he said. “I still have to keep training as hard as I am training and maintain the same dedication. It’s not like I reached my goal yet, because there’s still more success that I want to chase.”
McCarthy plans to major in professional tennis management, a program he said is offered at a handful of colleges across the country. He doesn’t know quite yet what he will do career-wise, but said the PTM program will allow him to consider a variety of tennis-related careers.
“I can choose whatever I want to do in the tennis industry,” he said. “I can be a coach at a club. I can go into tennis products. I can create my own brands. There are a lot of things I’ll be able to do after I graduate – it’s just a matter of deciding.”
A two-year captain, McCarthy goes into his final season with a 52-7 record. A three-time Cape Ann League All-Star at second singles, McCarthy has moved up to first singles this season. He burst onto the scene as a freshman, posting a record of 15-3 and earning the Pioneers’ Rookie of the Year award. As a sophomore and junior, McCarthy was tough to beat, posting records of 19-2 and 18-2, respectively, and earning the team’s Coaches’ Award in 2024.
“Shea has been a bright spot on this team since he was a freshman,” said Lynnfield Coach Joe Dunn Sr. “He’s been a great teammate who is talented and is a leader. Over the years, he’s helped me a lot with the coaching aspect and has been there to help with the newer players. He is everything you can ask for in a player. He has been such a key player on this team and I could not ask for a better leader.”
A two-time cross country captain and member of the indoor track and field team, McCarthy is an honor roll student, attaining high honors in the first two quarters this year. He carries a challenging courseload that includes AP European History. He is the co-leader of the Lynnfield High Stocks and Trading club and prides himself on his curiosity in the classroom.
McCarthy started playing tennis in first grade. He said he was inspired by professional Roger Federer, who won 20 Grand Slam titles and 103 ATP titles and is considered by many to be the GOAT of the men’s tennis world.
“I don’t remember exactly how I got started, but I remember watching Roger Federer on TV, and I said, ‘I want to be like him,'” McCarthy said. “Since then, he has always been my inspiration.”
McCarthy said he knows that playing at the collegiate level will be a challenge.
“It’s going to be a lot harder than high school, so I’m going to train and work hard to get to that higher level,” he said.
But Dunn has no doubts that McCarthy will make a successful transition at Methodist.
“He is such a good athlete. He knows the game so well and is capable of playing both singles and doubles at a high level,” Dunn said. “He knows the tactics of moving his opponent around so he can get to the net. He is very controlled and works the points. He hits away and doesn’t hold back, which shows the confidence he has in his game. I’m really happy for him and know he will do well at Methodist.”
The Pioneers have been to the Division 3 state championship final three consecutive years. McCarthy believes the team has the talent to get back there again.
“I think we have a good shot and think we can make it four years in a row,” he said. “We just have to trust in the guys we have and trust in ourselves and give it the best that we can. I trust in whatever Coach Joe is doing with the lineup, so if we have every player doing his best, it will lead to success. I’m looking forward to the challenge and I feel like I am playing really well. Honestly, I’m just looking forward to the season coming up and being the best we can be.”
