2023 Hall of Famer
Taylor Thornton
High School Playing Days
Taylor Thornton began playing lacrosse in seventh grade and quickly excelled, becoming a dominant force at The Hockaday School in Dallas, Texas. She led her team to back-to-back state championships in 2008 and 2009, showcasing her leadership and skill on the field. Her standout performances earned her recognition as one of the top young players in the region, setting the stage for her collegiate career.
In College...
At Northwestern University, Taylor cemented her status as one of the best players in collegiate lacrosse history. She was a four-time All-American, becoming only the second player in Northwestern’s storied program to achieve this honor. During her career, she started all 90 games, demonstrating her consistency and durability. Taylor received the 2012 Lacrosse Honda Sports Award, recognizing her as the nation’s top player, and was named the 2011 IWLCA National Defender of the Year. She also played a key role in securing two NCAA Division I National Championships in 2011 and 2012, solidifying Northwestern’s dominance in women’s lacrosse during her tenure.
Today
After her illustrious collegiate lacrosse career at Northwestern University, Taylor Thornton continued to make significant contributions to the sport and her community. She played professionally in the Women’s Professional Lacrosse League (WPLL), further showcasing her skills on a national platform.
Beyond her playing career, Taylor has been actively involved in coaching and mentoring young athletes. She serves as a coach at GRIT Lacrosse, an organization dedicated to developing female lacrosse players, where she imparts her extensive knowledge and passion for the game to the next generation.
In recognition of her outstanding contributions to lacrosse, Taylor was inducted into the Northwestern Athletics Hall of Fame in 2018, becoming the second four-time All-American in the university’s women’s lacrosse history.
Currently, Taylor balances her professional endeavors with her commitment to lacrosse, continuing to inspire and lead within the community. Her journey from a standout collegiate athlete to a mentor and coach underscores her dedication to the growth and development of women’s lacrosse.
