South Carroll’s standout lacrosse player Shannon McTavish looks to showcase her diverse skills honed by playing multiple sports – Baltimore Sun

Whether a young athlete should focus on one sport or practice multiple sports has been a hotly debated topic for years.

In Carroll County, many students are fortunate enough to play two, sometimes even three, sports within a school year. South Carroll’s Shannon McTavish, for example, has used her field hockey, basketball and lacrosse skills to build an impressive athletics resume on the field and as a locker room manager.

Now entering her senior lacrosse season, Mount St. Mary’s commitment appears to end her high school career with a second straight All-County selection for the first team and another deep playoff run for the Cavaliers .

Armed with the skills and abilities she brings to the table across all three sports, McTavish is one of the most talented lacrosse players in the region heading into the 2023 season.

“It’s a lot to play all three sports,” she said. “I’m used to it, so now it’s about the lacrosse season and going to the States this year.”

South Carroll senior lacrosse midfielder Shannon McTavish also excels in field hockey and basketball. (Kenneth K. Lam/Baltimore Sun)

Last season, the midfielder filled the scoring charts with 41 goals, 27 assists, 36 touches of ground, 14 conceded and 108 controlled draws.

After a summer of training in 2022, she began her senior year with second-team All-County honors in field hockey for the Cavaliers and helped lead them to the Class 1A state championship game.

She then won second-team All-County honors in basketball and finished in the top 10 in the county in points and rebounds.

Playing basketball helps her pick up concepts from other sports more quickly.

“When we run a zone, I think she sees the field a little bit better and is able to talk and get those shifts,” said McTavish’s lacrosse coach and sister Brigid Scanlon. “Shannon and my other basketball players can see it right away, while other players might have a little trouble.”

South Carroll midfielder Shannon McTavish was an All-Carroll County first-team pick last season with 41 goals, 27 assists, 36 possessions, 14 concedes and 108 ties. (Kenneth K. Lam/Baltimore Sun)

Off the pitch, McTavish has forged bonds with teammates through playing multiple sports, creating a close-knit dressing room.

“There’s a group of girls who play all three sports,” McTavish said. “It’s how we’re always together, it allows us to connect and it makes it easier to play together.”

Scanlon says the bond has allowed her sister to take on a greater leadership role over the past two years.

[ 2023 Carroll County girls lacrosse preview ]

“I would describe her more as a quiet leader. Her actions on the field definitely make other athletes follow her,” Scanlon said. “When she speaks up, she has great thoughts and definitely knows what to say.”

Playing three sports a school year is one thing; Being called one of the top players in the area by everyone is another.

South Carroll’s Shannon McTavish has signed on to play lacrosse at Mount St Mary’s. (Kenneth K. Lam/Baltimore Sun)

McTavish’s father Tim says he is not surprised by their success.

“Watching her brothers and sisters, she’s been dragged through so many sporting events her entire life,” he said. “She’s just able to take things from any sport and apply them to herself and her ability as a player.”

Tim, who has coached all of his children in multiple sports, insisted that Shannon should broaden her athletic perspective as a youngster. He felt her development as a player would be better served with the benefits of a more diverse workload.

“I would just get my kids to do different things and do different sports,” Tim said. “It didn’t matter if they were better at one than the other, it was still good to just take a break and play another sport and then just reset, refresh and move on.”

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The overall athleticism she’s gained from that diversity will help her adapt to collegiate lacrosse, say those who know her.

Shannon McTavish, pictured in January 2021, worked past Winters Mill’s Allie Cullison and was a second-team All-County as a senior. (Dylan Slagle)

“She speaks very fluently. At the next level, being able to use your right hand and left hand in your left hand is a big deal,” Scanlon said. “Coaches are always looking for a versatile player that they can take and attack or defend. I think you could do both with her.”

McTavish looks forward to her future at Mount St. Mary’s, where she will be another member of the family to qualify for the Mountaineers.

Scanlon played lacrosse for The Mount and her grandfather, Jack Sullivan, is considered one of the greatest basketball players in school history.

“I was visiting and I love the coaches,” said Shannon. “They are great and it’s close to home and I don’t want to go far. So it was just a good place for me.”

Before she travels to Emmitsburg, McTavish has one more stretch left in a South Carroll uniform. With field hockey and basketball under her belt, McTavish is ready for her grand finals and heading into the 2023 lacrosse season with confidence.

“I’m definitely looking forward to this season,” said McTavish. “We have players who have gotten better and have higher lacrosse IQs, so I know we’re going to be better than last year.”

South Carroll’s Shannon McTavish, pictured as a junior, was a second-team All-County last fall.