Kathy Taylor

Coach · Builder · 2018 NCAA Division II National Champion

Background

Kathy Taylor is a retired women's lacrosse coach whose career spanned more than 30 years across four institutions. She served as head coach at Fayetteville-Manlius High School (1988–2006), SUNY Cortland (2008–2014), Le Moyne College (2014–2019), and Colgate University (2019–2024).

Her career record as a head coach is 233–76 (.754). Her combined collegiate record at Cortland and Le Moyne is 212–29 (.880). Taylor won the 2018 NCAA Division II National Championship at Le Moyne College, defeating Florida Southern 16–11.

She was named IWLCA Division II National Coach of the Year in 2018 and SUNYAC Coach of the Decade for the 2010s. She served as president of the International Women's Lacrosse Coaches Association, elected by her peers in 2017, and as a member of the U.S. Women's National Team Selection Committee.

Taylor graduated from Cornell University in 1984 and became the first Cornell women's lacrosse player named to the All-Ivy League First Team. She holds a master's degree in counseling.

Career highlights

  • · 2018 NCAA Division II National Championship, Le Moyne College — 22–1 season
  • · 2018 IWLCA Division II National Coach of the Year
  • · SUNYAC Coach of the Decade for the 2010s
  • · Four consecutive NCAA Final Fours at SUNY Cortland (2011–2014)
  • · Four consecutive NCAA Final Fours at Le Moyne College (2015–2018)
  • · Career collegiate record: 212–29 (.880) at Cortland and Le Moyne combined
  • · 35 All-Americans coached across her career
  • · President, IWLCA — elected by peers, 2017
  • · Member, U.S. Women's National Team Selection Committee
  • · First Cornell women's lacrosse player named All-Ivy League First Team (1984)
Kathy Taylor coaching on the sideline

Coaching career

1988–2006

Head coach, Fayetteville-Manlius High School

Record 245–62–3 (.795). Built the program from one team to five. 2004 and 2005 NYS Class A Championships. Five Section III titles. 12 high school All-Americans. Five players named to U.S. National Team.

2008–2014

Head coach, SUNY Cortland — Division III

Record 115–17 (.871). Six straight SUNYAC Tournament Championships. Four consecutive NCAA Final Fours. School-record 22–1 final season. Named SUNYAC Coach of the Decade.

2014–2019

Head coach, Le Moyne College — Division II

Record 97–12 (.890). 2018 NCAA National Championship — 22–1 season. Four consecutive Final Fours. 20 All-Americans. 2018 IWLCA Division II National Coach of the Year.

2019–2024

Head coach, Colgate University — Division I

Patriot League. Hired with explicit mandate to elevate the program. Four Patriot League tournament appearances including 2021 semifinal. Eight All-Patriot League honorees developed.

Leadership and service

Association leadership

Taylor served as president of the International Women's Lacrosse Coaches Association, elected by her peers in 2017. She also served on the U.S. Women's National Team Selection Committee.

Halls of fame

  • · Fayetteville-Manlius High School Hall of Fame — inducted 2017
  • · Upstate New York Chapter, US Lacrosse Hall of Fame — inducted 2010
  • · Greater Syracuse Sports Hall of Fame

As a player

Taylor played at Cornell University, graduating in 1984. She became the first Cornell women's lacrosse player named to the All-Ivy League First Team.

Education

Cornell University, B.A., 1984. Master's degree in counseling.