Conor McCarthy has been named App State Baseball’s Director of Player Development, head coach Kermit Smith announced Wednesday.
McCarthy has spent the last nine years in the private training industry, focusing on individualizing player development through the use of nutrition, biomechanics, strength and conditioning, functional movement and speed screening. He trained under renowned pitching coach Tom House and former Major League Baseball manager Bobby Valentine.
“For the past eight years, we have made continuous improvement in the resources we have to assist our student-athletes in reaching their potential,” Smith said. “This is a big step toward our vision of a true individualized approach to player development. Conor checked every box with his experience and his ability to utilize the resources that we have to walk alongside our student-athletes in their journey. I’m elated to see how he can impact our program as we take the next step.”
Most recently, McCarthy spent the 2024 season working in the Wake Forest Baseball pitching lab. There, he helped develop a pitching staff that included Chase Burns, who was selected second overall by the Cincinnati Reds in the 2024 MLB Draft.
“I’m incredibly grateful to Coach Smith for the opportunity to join the baseball staff at App State,” McCarthy said. “It’s an exciting time for the Mountaineers with the resources and energy surrounding Smith Stadium focused on player development. I’m eager to contribute to the staff and help the team in our pursuit of reaching the College World Series in Omaha.”
McCarthy is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist from the National Strength and Conditioning Association and holds ArmCare.com certifications in Arm Care and Biomechanics.
Originally from Boston, Mass., McCarthy was a member of the Bryant baseball program, and he graduated in 2014 with a business degree, focused on entrepreneurship.
{Information provided by Appalachian State Athletics}
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