By Sarah Jackson '14
Senior John McArthur (JM), being open-minded to a career in basketball overseas after graduation, is also excited and prepared for the business world. McArthur, reminiscing over his unforgettable win against Gonzaga his freshman year, opens up about his final season and the emotions and experiences it has brought him.
SCU: Being half way through your final season as a Bronco, what emotions are going through your head?
JM: It is a different kind of feeling. Some days it hits me more than others that it really is my last season. It is going to be weird to be away from my teammates that I have been working with for so long. I have gotten in to such a routine of seeing them and my coaches every day. Not having that there will definitely be difficult for me. I would say the main feeling I have is just a sense of thankfulness. I am so grateful for the opportunity I have had to attend and play for such a prestigious school. I will never forget the lessons I have learned and the relationships I have made.
SCU: Having three and a half years under your belt, what is your favorite memory as a student-athlete?
JM: While playing here, we were lucky enough to have won two postseason championships, which was an awesome feeling. However, I would have to say that when we beat Gonzaga my freshman year at home would be my favorite memory. The emotions running through the arena at that time were crazy and the student storming the court was an experience I will always remember.
SCU: What is something that you have learned from being a student-athlete at Santa Clara?
JM: I have learned many lessons from being a student-athlete throughout my life and most of them have come from Santa Clara. The main thing that I have taken away from my time as a student-athlete here at Santa Clara, especially being such a prestigious school, would have to be time management and finding a balance between schoolwork as well as my athletic responsibility. That alone will benefit me for the rest of my life.
SCU: Growing up in a local area, how important is it to you to be able to see your family and friends come support you and your success here at Santa Clara?
JM: That alone was one of the main reasons why I came to Santa Clara. I have so much support from my friends and family and I am truly blessed to have them support me through my athletic and academic career at Santa Clara. Having the opportunity to have my family and friends present for every home game in my collegiate career is something most people cannot say and for that I am very thankful.
SCU: As a business major, what lies ahead for you in the future?
JM: I have always have dreams of playing professionally overseas so that is always in the back of my mind. But Santa Clara, and especially the Leavey School of Business, have prepared me and set me up to be successful in the business world as well. I have obtained so many invaluable lessons and connections through Santa Clara and I feel a lot more prepared for the business world. I am also blessed to be part of a school where the alumni connections are so present and helpful as well.