Joseph “Joe” Taylor’s impact on the game of lacrosse spans generations, institutions, and the very culture of the sport. Alongside his wife Kathy, he made history as part of the first married couple inducted into the Upstate Lacrosse Hall of Fame — a distinction that reflects not only excellence on the field, but a lifetime of service to the game.

A Lifetime Shaping the Game of Lacrosse

Both Joe and Kathy are graduates of Cornell University, where Joe played four years of varsity lacrosse and Kathy competed for three. Together, they built a family rooted in lacrosse, passing the game forward to their three children. Daughters Kelly and Kristen played for their mother at Fayetteville-Manlius High School before continuing their careers at the University of North Carolina, where they were part of the 2009 NCAA runner-up team. Son Matthew carries on the tradition at Cornell University, proudly wearing the Big Red.

Joe Taylor’s lacrosse journey can be defined through four powerful chapters: Jamesville-DeWitt, Cornell, Brine, and Nike — each marked by leadership, innovation, and lasting influence.

Jamesville-DeWitt: Excellence Across Sports

At Jamesville-DeWitt High School, Taylor established himself as an elite athlete, earning All-County honors in both football and lacrosse. His achievements across multiple sports secured his place in the Jamesville-DeWitt Sports Hall of Fame, setting the foundation for a career defined by excellence.

Cornell University: Championship Pedigree

Taylor’s collegiate career under legendary coach Richie Moran placed him among the elite players of his era. During his four years with Cornell, Ivy League Championships were the standard, not the exception. In 1977, he was a key contributor to Cornell’s NCAA National Championship team.

Individually, Taylor earned two All-Ivy League selections, was named an All-American, and competed in both the North-South Game and the College Superstars Game. His contributions were further recognized with the Lawrence Van Buren Award, honoring his excellence and leadership.

Brine Lacrosse: Growing the Game

For 26 years, Joseph Taylor’s name was synonymous with Brine, one of the most influential equipment manufacturers in lacrosse history. His work went far beyond products. Taylor helped found the B.U.L.L. Youth Lacrosse League, the Upstate Youth League, and the Green Lakes Youth League, ensuring access and opportunity for young players throughout Central New York.

Over 36 summers, Taylor worked alongside Walt Munze as a camper, counselor, and Brine representative, shaping countless players and coaches. He also collaborated with Tom Hall, supporting the CNY Empire from a product and development perspective, further strengthening the region’s lacrosse infrastructure.

Nike Lacrosse: Honoring Tradition While Expanding Reach

As lacrosse entered a new era, Taylor once again helped lead the way — this time as Director of Lacrosse Operations for Nike. In this role, he became a national ambassador for the sport, connecting Nike with key lacrosse communities across the country.

His work includes initiatives such as City Lax, bringing the game into urban communities; partnerships with the Iroquois Nationals, honoring the game’s origins and creators; and collaboration on Nike advertising and product development that respects lacrosse’s traditions, values, and athletes.

A Life Defined by the Game

For Joseph Taylor, lacrosse is not a chapter of life — it is the throughline. As a player, builder, ambassador, and steward of the game, his influence is felt at every level, from youth fields to collegiate championships to the global stage.

His induction into the Upstate Lacrosse Hall of Fame reflects more than accolades. It honors a lifetime committed to growing the game the right way — and leaving it better than he found it.