He was selected in the first round, 14th overall, by the Winnipeg Jets in the 2022 NHL entry draft, but was traded to the Penguins before he began his professional career.

[1] McGroarty spent two seasons with the USA Hockey National Team Development Program (USNTDP).

[3] He competed at the 2022 BioSteel All-American Game where he recorded an assist and a goal with 2:37 left in regulation to force overtime.

[5][2] McGroarty committed to play college ice hockey for the Michigan Wolverines of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) beginning in the 2022–23 season.

[12] Prior to the 2024–25 season, reports emerged that McGroarty refused to sign with Winnipeg, with the team beginning to explore trade options.

[23] He again represented the United States at the 2022 IIHF World U18 Championships, where he served as team captain and recorded eight goals and one assist in six games and won a silver medal.

His father, Jim, is a Canadian former professional ice hockey defenceman from Mississauga, Ontario, while his mother, Cindy, is a native Nebraskan.

[29] The family moved to Michigan before McGroarty joined the United States National Team Development Program (USNTDP).