For now, however, McLaughlin will spend histime playing the sport he loves on the soccerfields of MLS. And he feels his time at Harvardhas helped him prepare for what lies ahead.
"I feel I've had solid [soccer] preparationhere at Harvard," McLaughlin said. "I came here toget a great education, and any athleticpreparation is just a benefit. But [Harvard CoachSteve] Locker is a great coach and a greattactician."
McLaughlin is also indebted to the Harvardsoccer program for providing him with what heconsiders four extraordinary years.
"The best decision of my life was coming toHarvard," McLaughlin said. "I got so much morethan I expected out if it. Playing soccer heremade such a difference in my life, and it helpedme meet two of my greatest friends in [fellowseniors] Ricky Le and Toure McCluskey."
"I wish everyone who came to Harvard had achance to be a part of some team, because the teamthat I've been a part of has been a great part ofmy life," he continued. "If I had one piece ofadvice for Harvard students, it would be to becomea part of something; get to know the people herebecause they are all so special in so many ways."
As he embarks on another exciting leg of hisjourney through life, McLaughlin's focus is on thepeople who have made the last one so special. Aconsummate team player, even his fondest memoriesof Harvard soccer revolve around teamaccomplishments, apparently indifferent to thefact that he was at the center of Harvard soccerfor so long.
"My best memory at Harvard was when we beatB.U. last year in the first round of the NCAATournament," said McLaughlin of Harvard's 3-2overtime victory, in which he scored thegame-tying goal with two minutes to play inregulation. "I'll never forget that feeling,standing in the six-yard box and watching Johnny[Vrionis '97] head that ball in. It was atremendous feeling.
"Another one has to be my freshman year when wewon the Ivy League title with a 5-8-2 record,"continued McLaughlin, as his voice swelled withexcitement at the thought of that contest. "Itcame down to the final game of the season at homeversus Brown."
"There were so many fans that they brokethrough the barriers and were standing on thefield, but the referee just called to play on. Andwhen we won in overtime, everyone just rushed thefield. It was great," he said.
It seems that McLaughlin will leave Harvardwith as many fond memories of his time here as hehas provided for Harvard soccer fans. And with thespirit, skill, dedication and commitment toexcellence he has demonstrated throughout hiscollege career, many more memorable moments mayawait him in the future.
"Playing soccer now just feels like the rightthing to do," McLaughlin says. "I've never devotedall my time to soccer. I'm excited to see what Ican do, how much I can improve and how far I cango."
So are we, Tommy Mac. So are we.