Kathy Taylor’s induction into the Upstate Lacrosse Hall of Fame represents excellence sustained across generations, levels, and roles within the game. Alongside her husband, Joe Taylor, she became part of the first married couple ever inducted — an honor that reflects not only individual achievement, but a shared family commitment to lacrosse that continues today.

A Hall of Fame Legacy in Women’s Lacrosse

Both Cornell University graduates, Joe played four years of varsity lacrosse for the Big Red, while Kathy competed for three. Together, they passed that passion on to their three children, each of whom proudly carried the lacrosse tradition forward. Daughters Kelly and Kristen played for their mother at Fayetteville-Manlius High School before advancing to the University of North Carolina, where they were part of the 2009 NCAA runner-up team. Son Matthew followed the family path to Cornell, competing for the Big Red.

Elite Coaching at the Collegiate Level

Kathy Taylor began her tenure as SUNY Cortland’s women’s lacrosse head coach in 2009. She entered her third season in 2011 already firmly established as one of the most successful coaches in Division III. In her first two seasons, she led the Red Dragons to a combined 31–10 record (.756), captured two SUNY Athletic Conference (SUNYAC) tournament championships, and guided the program to two NCAA Division III Tournament second-round appearances.

Her teams consistently performed at the national level. Six of her players earned All-America honors during her early collegiate tenure—three in 2009 and three in 2010 — underscoring her ability to develop elite talent.

In 2010, Cortland posted a 17–3 overall record and completed an undefeated run through SUNYAC play, securing the program’s 12th consecutive conference tournament title. All three losses that season came by a single goal, including a regular-season defeat to eventual national runner-up Hamilton and an NCAA tournament loss to Colby. The year prior, Taylor’s 2009 squad finished 14–7, rebounding from a second-place conference finish to win the SUNYAC tournament and earn an NCAA berth.

A High School Dynasty at Fayetteville-Manlius

Before her collegiate success, Taylor built one of the premier high school girls’ lacrosse programs in New York State. From 1988 to 2006, she served as head coach at Fayetteville-Manlius High School, where her teams compiled an extraordinary 245–62–3 record (.795). Under her leadership, the Hornets won two New York State Class A championships (2004 and 2005) and five Section III titles.

Taylor was twice named Central New York Coach of the Year and coached 12 high school All-Americans and five U.S. National Team players. Just as important, she expanded the Fayetteville-Manlius program from a single team into a five-team system, creating opportunities for countless young athletes and setting a standard for program development.

State, National, and Administrative Leadership

Taylor’s influence extended well beyond the sidelines. She served as a New York State National Tournament Coach at elite recruiting events, leading the state’s number-two-ranked team in 2004 and guiding the top-ranked team to a championship game in 2005. In 2006, she coached the North team to victory at the Under Armour All-American Lacrosse Classic at Towson University.

Her leadership roles included serving as Section III Girls Lacrosse Chair, representing Section III on the New York State Lacrosse Committee from 2000 to 2002, and chairing the All-American Lacrosse Committee from 2003 to 2006. These roles placed her at the center of decision-making and growth for the sport throughout the state.

In 1998, Taylor founded the Rising Star Lacrosse Camp in Fayetteville, creating a developmental pathway for young players. She has directed the camp ever since, reinforcing her long-standing commitment to teaching fundamentals, instilling confidence, and growing the game at its roots.

A Trailblazer at Cornell University

A 1984 graduate of Cornell University with a bachelor’s degree in communications, Taylor played varsity lacrosse for the Big Red from 1982 to 1984. As Kathy Milmoe, she made history during her senior season by becoming the first Cornell women’s lacrosse player to earn First-Team All-American League honors—a fitting early chapter in a career defined by firsts, leadership, and excellence.

A Hall of Fame Standard

Kathy Taylor’s Hall of Fame induction honors far more than wins and championships. It recognizes a lifetime of leadership, mentorship, and unwavering commitment to women’s lacrosse. From Cornell to Cortland, from high school fields to national stages, her impact continues to shape the game and the generations who follow.