“I always tell people that if you really want to become successful, you have to pour your heart and soul into what you’re doing, and that’s something I’m very proud of,” said Daniel McCarthy, Head Coach of Argo Girls’ Varsity Basketball. McCarthy values the belief that if you pick a career based on your passion, you will be successful and love what you are doing.
Starting from November to the end of February, McCarthy trains his players to become the best version of themselves in the game but also as individuals.
As a child, McCarthy spent lot of time with his dad, watching basketball games and playing basketball with his neighborhood friends in the driveway. Sparking his passion for the sport at an early age, he continued to play throughout high school and in college.
“I was a three-sport athlete: Football, basketball, and baseball,” McCarthy said. In college, McCarthy continued to play intramural football and basketball while pursuing a teaching certificate to become an English teacher.
From 1993-2004, McCarthy coached boys’ basketball at different high schools here in Illinois. Coaching girls’ basketball was never a thought that crossed his mind.
“No, not at all. Just because I grew up obviously playing boy sports,” McCarthy said.
McCarthy spent 11 years coaching boys’ basketball. However, when given the opportunity at Argo in 2004 to coach the girls’ basketball team, McCarthy took the position.
“And at the time, I had never in my wildest dreams considered coaching girls’ basketball, but it was a great opportunity,” McCarthy said.
Players on his team had nothing but positive things to say about McCarthy.
“I would describe him as an amazing, caring, determined coach,” said Morgan Murphy, a player on the varsity team.
For the next 22 years, McCarthy dedicated his time and effort to build the girls’ basketball program into the vigorous program it is today.
“I had to build a Junior Argonaut program from scratch,” McCarthy said. McCarthy strived to give girls in the community the opportunity to strengthen their athletic talents. Starting from as early as fourth grade, the Junior Argonaut program offers a winter season, and it has since been successful in developing talent among athletes.
“Every great player I’ve coached here…were all Junior Argonauts,” McCarthy said. McCarthy also put together a high school travel team named Fusion, ran by Coach Gamboa and Coach Miller, to make it more affordable for players in the community.
An important figure in McCarthy’s career is Coach Richler who has stuck by McCarthy since day one.
“He does a great job in getting players ready for varsity but also teaching them the game,” McCarthy said. Coach Richler has contributed immensely to the progression of the program’s talent.
Coach McCarthy had rebuilt the girls’ Argo basketball program from the ground up thanks to his passion for the sport and his love for his players. Harmony Perkins, who is currently a player on the varsity team, has been dedicated to the basketball program since her freshman year.
“You can tell he’s real passionate when in practice. You know, he just wants to see us all get better…and make it to the next level,” said Perkins.
