Beyond the Pool: Josie McCartney’s Journey From Seton Hall Swimmer and Servant Leader Scholar to Medical School

Josie McCartney isn’t new to rigorous schedules or challenges. From grueling 5 a.m. practices in Seton Hall’s pool to her intense first year at Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, she has consistently embraced every opportunity to advance her personal and professional development. Now, as she transitions from student-athlete to medical student, Josie reflects on the experiences that have shaped her journey.

“It has been an adjustment, for sure,” Josie admits with a smile. She is only a few months into medical school, but it is already clear that her undergraduate years laid the foundation for the stamina and discipline she now relies on. Her days are filled with classes, labs and lectures from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., five days a week. This rigorous schedule mirrors her years as a Division I swimmer, where early mornings and disciplined training were routine.

In her current anatomy block, Josie spends time in the lab dissecting cadavers, something she finds both challenging and rewarding. Coming from an undergraduate biochemistry background, she is enjoying delving into the intricacies of human anatomy, which she hadn’t previously explored in detail. “We have covered the back, thorax, upper limbs and now we are on to the head and neck,” she explains, breaking down her studies week by week. The rigorous pace of the accelerated three-year program is no small feat, but Josie is clearly determined to succeed.

Though she is just beginning, Josie has interests in cardiology—perhaps even pediatric cardiology, depending on her experiences. Her passion for helping others is obvious, and she is already considering further studies in public health. “I have enjoyed my time in New Jersey, but I see myself eventually heading back to the Midwest. The National Residency Match makes more sense for me,” she says, envisioning a future back in her native Wisconsin.

Reflecting on her time as a student-athlete, Josie credits swimming with teaching her valuable life skills. “I don’t know who I’d be without swimming,” she says. The discipline, resilience and teamwork that came with balancing academics and athletics have directly translated to her current pursuits. “Getting up at 5 a.m. taught me the importance of hard work and sticking to a schedule—even when you don’t feel like it.” She credits her coaches, teammates, Academic Support Services for Student-Athletes staff and athletic trainers for providing the support systems for her success.

Her experience in the pool has also prepared her for the collaborative nature of healthcare. “Being able to function well on a team is a skill that is going to benefit me greatly as I keep going on,” she notes. It’s a sentiment echoed by her years at Seton Hall, where she forged strong bonds with her teammates and coaches.

As a Seton Hall Servant Leader Scholar, Josie has long been committed to helping others. Her volunteer efforts began in Verona, Wisconsin, and continued at Seton Hall. One of her proudest accomplishments was the ESL program she co-founded at the Don Bosco Youth Center with Our Lady of the Valley parish, helping immigrants learn English. “We started with just three volunteers, and by my senior year, we had expanded to include not just Spanish-speaking immigrants but also some Haitian immigrants,” she shares. Though she is no longer directly involved, she is proud to know the program continues to thrive.

In addition to her volunteer work, Josie also made time for research alongside Chemistry Professor Rory Murphy, Ph.D., at Seton Hall and worked with Special Olympics and Team IMPACT, bringing joy to young athletes and strengthening her commitment to serving others.

Josie’s dedication and hard work did not go unnoticed. She was recently awarded the BIG EAST Michael Tranghese Leadership Award, a testament to her contributions both in and out of the pool. “It’s a huge honor to be recognized among so many incredible people,” she says. This recognition reflects her gratitude for the support she received from her Seton Hall family. “I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t have the people supporting me along the way,” she says, reflecting on her journey with a sense of profound gratitude.

As Josie looks forward, her Seton Hall experience remains a cornerstone of who she is and who she hopes to become. She envisions a career marked by compassion, leadership and an unwavering commitment to service—traits she honed during her time as a swimmer and scholar. “Seton Hall was a great place for me. I’m grateful for every opportunity it gave me,” she says. And while her future may take her away from the East Coast, it is clear that the lessons and memories she made there will always be part of her journey.

Categories: Alumni, Athletics, Campus Life, Education