Name: Cara McMahon

Sport: Softball

Grade: Senior

Position: Pitcher

The Lowdown: Through Valley’s first two games, McMahon pitched 12 innings and struck out 18 batters. She has hit third for the Indians, and started the season 5 for 7 with 1 single, 4 doubles, and 4 RBIs.

What She Likes Most About Her Sport: McMahon likes that softball is a mental game. “A big part of it is having a positive mindset,” she said. McMahon said that hard work and a positive mindset come together in softball.

Best Sport Memory: Recreational softball in elementary and middle school was McMahon’s best memory playing softball because she was just focused on having fun with her friends.

Proudest Moment on the Field: McMahon says that she likes to set goals for herself within games. For example, she says that she works very hard on her changeup, so when she strikes someone out with the changeup, it is an accomplishment for her.

Best Thing About PV: McMahon said that she likes that everyone at Pascack Valley is so close. “If you ever need someone, there’s always someone to lean on,” she said.

Why she chose Stevens: Originally, McMahon was not planning on playing softball in college, but she had a pitching coach whose son is a coach at Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken. When she was given the opportunity to play at Stevens, she thought, “That’s great; I could go to a great school and also play a sport that I love.”

Did your visit have an impact? McMahon said that her visit to the school, and talking to the girls on the team is really what pushed her towards playing at Stevens. “I spent time with the coach of the team, and I saw the field, and I really liked the campus,” McMahon said.

Favorite Food: Mac and Cheese

Favorite TV Show: Game of Thrones

Favorite Movie: The Departed

What She Does In Her Free Time: McMahon likes to exercise and spend time with family in her free time. She also enjoys watching Netflix.

One Thing People May Not Know: McMahon played volleyball during her first two years at Pascack Valley. “I quit to focus on softball,” she said.

Role Models: “I had a different pitching coach when I was younger, her name was Shannon,” McMahon said. She added that Shannon helped her intertwine her positive mindset into playing softball. She also likes to apply this mindset to everyday life.

Future Plans: McMahon said that she isn’t interested in being a coach, but she would love to have softball in her life after college. She is going to Stevens to study Biomedical Engineering, and hopes to get a job in that field.