Athlete of the Week: Seth McGarry

Lakewood Ranch High pitcher and shortstop Seth McGarry was recently named to the Florida Athletic Coaches Association (FACA) all-state and all-academic teams. McGarry, who will play for Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton next year, was the only East County player to make both teams.

What does it mean to have been selected to both the FACA all-academic and all-state baseball teams?
It’s a pretty big deal because I’ve strived to be as good as I can be; and being able to make the all-academic team as well as the all-state team is really important. It shows that I’m not just an athlete, but I can get it done in the classroom, too.

Would you rather be in the field or at the plate?
In the field; when I’m in the field I like to take charge, talk and just be in the game with everyone else. When you’re hitting, it’s more of what you can do right there.

Of the positions that you play, which is your favorite?
Pitcher. I have the ball every play, and I just feel like I’m in charge of the game. That’s the way I like to play.

What’s the toughest part about being a pitcher?
For me, it’s throwing strikes all of the time and finding the strike zone early in the game.

What do you want to be when you grow up?
A trainer or physical therapist with some kind of sports team.

Who is your biggest role model?
My mom. She doesn’t just want me to do well in baseball, but she wants me to do well in school and in the classroom.

Do you have any siblings?
I have an older sister, Jayde Morgan, and a younger brother, Hunter, who will be a sophomore at Lakewood Ranch.

If you could have one super power, what would it be?
The ability to fly. I think it would be cool and a lot easier to get around places.

What was your favorite cartoon show growing up?
“Rugrats.”

Do you have a sports team?
The (Tampa Bay) Rays.