Coach Patrick McCarthy
“Doing things the right way for the right reason.”
The Early Years
Coach Patrick McCarthy’s journey into coaching was rooted early in both education and opportunity. A 2009 graduate of Northwest Guilford High School, McCarthy went on to attend the University of North Carolina Wilmington, graduating in 2013.
Even as a college student, McCarthy knew coaching was in his blood. From 2011–2013, he served as a varsity assistant at Coastal Christian High School while completing his degree. From 2013–2015, he continued his development at R.J. Reynolds High School, working as a varsity assistant and freshman coach under legendary coach Billy Martin.
That mentorship left a lasting imprint—particularly in McCarthy’s approach to players, his ability to connect, and his emphasis on fundamentals, discipline, and accountability. Today, those traits define his teams, which are known for ball movement on offense and a sound, connected team defense.
Travel Ball Experience
Understanding the value of growth through experience, Coach McCarthy immersed himself in the world of travel basketball. From 2012 to the present, he has continuously worked to develop young men both on and off the court, earning a reputation for professionalism and leadership.
His coaching résumé includes involvement with respected programs such as Flight 22, NC Spartans, and Pro Skills Basketball. Each stop helped sharpen his teaching ability and reinforced his commitment to player development.
Coaching Philosophy
At the heart of McCarthy’s program is a simple but powerful phrase:
“TAP into your potential every day.”
- T — Tenacity
- A — Attitude
- P — Preparation
His teams reflect what basketball is meant to be: a true team game. “Five guys of one mind on offense and five guys versus one basketball on defense” isn’t just a saying—it’s visible every time his teams take the floor.
Patience Is a Virtue
Patience has been one of McCarthy’s greatest strengths. After nearly a decade at the travel level, he earned a head coaching opportunity at Lake Norman Christian School. Taking over midway through a season that drew national attention and featured phenom Mikey Williams, McCarthy was tasked with stabilizing the program.
His professionalism and values made him the ideal fit. He became a calming presence during an intense media stretch, aligning seamlessly with the school’s mission and culture.
Following that stint, McCarthy joined longtime friend Chris Ewell at Carolina International School for the 2022–2023 season, helping guide a successful turnaround as an assistant coach.
Building at Marvin Ridge
In 2024, patience paid off when McCarthy was named varsity head coach at Marvin Ridge High School. Embracing the challenge, he focused on changing the culture and expanding opportunities for his players by scheduling a demanding out-of-conference slate designed for exposure and growth.
His first season ended at 11–15, but the foundation was firmly in place.
Fast forward to the 2025–2026 season, and the results are undeniable:
- 19–4 overall record
- 10–2 in conference play
- Ranked No. 21 overall by MaxPreps, regardless of classification
- Ranked No. 5 in the NCHSAA 7A classification
All four losses came against ranked opponents—Charlotte Catholic, Ardrey Kell, Weddington, and Charlotte Latin. Marvin Ridge made its loudest statement at the Mike Gminski Invitational, defeating Hunter Huss, Lancaster (SC), and Hickory Ridge in impressive fashion.
The Transition: In McCarthy’s Words
On his first two seasons:
- “Very smooth—the school and community felt like a great fit from day one. Tons of support and a real desire to win.”
- “We took time to find our identity, started 4–10, but our seniors laid the foundation. We finished 7–5 in conference, second place, and played the No. 2 seed to single digits in the playoffs.”
On the current success:
- Senior Leadership: Five seniors contributing meaningful minutes—a rare and special group.
- Execution: Buy-in through film, preparation, and daily practice habits.
- Trust: Alignment across players, coaches, administration, and parents.
On today’s challenges:
- High School: Winning in the margins through detailed preparation.
- Travel Ball: Teaching college-level actions with limited practice time.
One of the Good Guys
There’s no debate—Coach Patrick McCarthy is one of the good guys in the business. Respected by peers, trusted by parents, and admired by players, he’s a low-key leader who avoids the spotlight and consistently credits his team. His programs are disciplined, connected, and reflective of his character.
In an era where the game often moves too fast, McCarthy remains grounded in what truly matters. He builds teams the right way, leads the right way, and—most importantly—does it for the right reason.