Coach Kathy Taylor Testimonials

 From Combat Zones to Coaching: Army Major Credits Coach Taylor for Leadership Foundation

U.S. Army Major Who Led 500 Soldiers Through Combat Says Coach Taylor Built Her Leadership Foundation

U.S. Army Major Jordan A. Miller does not mince words when describing the foundation of her military leadership career. After multiple combat deployments and years leading over 500 soldiers in high-stakes environments, she traces her resilience and leadership philosophy back to one person: Coach Kathy Taylor.

"I can state with absolute certainty that the foundation of my leadership and resiliency was built under Coach Taylor," Major Miller writes. Having served as Battalion Executive Officer, she distinguishes between what the military calls "toxic" and "demanding" leadership. Coach Taylor, she emphasizes, represents the gold standard of developmental leadership.

During her time at SUNY Cortland (2008-2012), Major Miller faced personal difficulties involving family loss and self-growth. When she tore her ACL, Coach Taylor did not see her as just a tool to win games. "She saw me as a person," Miller recalls. "She stepped in as a mentor, offering a level of grace and guidance that I carry with me today when I lead my own Soldiers through their personal hardships."

The "toughness" Coach Taylor instilled, Major Miller explains, was never for the sake of being hard. It was for the sake of being ready. "She prepared me for my future by ensuring I was mentally tough and emotionally grounded. I am the officer I am today because of the discipline, integrity, and care Kathy Taylor invested in me over a decade ago."

When a leader who has commanded troops in combat zones credits a coach with building the foundation of their leadership, it speaks volumes about the lasting impact of that mentorship.

A National Championship Captain's Truth: 'Coach Taylor Never Stopped Investing in Me'

Olivia Lynch's Journey: From ACL Tear to Senior Captain - How Coach Taylor Never Gave Up

Olivia Lynch knew what she wanted when she arrived at Colgate University: someone strong, tough, and who knew how to win. Coach Kathy Taylor was exactly that.

As Colgate's sole senior captain (2019-2022), Lynch's journey was not easy. A COVID-canceled season, an ACL tear that sidelined her junior year, and senior year tendonitis that made running painful. These challenges would have broken many athletes. But Coach Taylor would not let that happen.

"When I tore my ACL skiing over winter break, telling Coach Taylor was one of the hardest moments for me because I feared I had let the team down," Lynch shares. "She supported me completely, prioritizing my recovery." When tendonitis struck her senior year, Coach Taylor again told her she did not need to push unnecessarily, giving her the time to fully recover.

But perhaps most powerful was the day Coach Taylor confronted Lynch about a bad practice. "She told me, 'It looks like you don't want to be here.' She was right. But as the senior captain, that was unacceptable. She made me reflect, adjust, and grow."

Through it all, Coach Taylor left letters of encouragement in Lynch's locker. One remains on her desk today: "Your time will come, Liv. When you get your chance, be ready."

Lynch earned back her starting spot. And when it came time for the Colgate medal, a senior tradition honoring the faculty or staff member who had the biggest impact on your career, there was only one choice.

"I was proud and honored to give it to Coach Taylor," Lynch says. "She never stopped investing in me."

The Breakfast Coach: Building Champions Through Love and Pancakes

Former Players Remember Coach Taylor's Secret Weapon: Team Breakfasts for 25 High School Girls

Long before the state championships, before the Division I scholarships, before the accolades, there were team breakfasts.

Multiple former players recall how Coach Kathy Taylor would host the team at her house before school and big games, cooking breakfast for 25 high school girls while raising her own three children. It is a small detail that reveals everything about her coaching philosophy.

"We could feel the love and belief she had in us while getting fueled up for the school day and big game ahead," remembers Leah Tuck, who played at Fayetteville-Manlius from 2001-2004 and won the 2004 State Championship. "She poured into us, while also raising her own three children."

The love extended beyond the kitchen. Tuck recalls the day of their state tournament, when Coach Taylor had them go on a short jog to stretch out before the bus ride. Along the route: motivational and loving messages written in chalk on the pavement.

"She spent the morning (or late the night before) writing them out so we could have a special moment before competing in a big game," Tuck says. "We felt the love and support of an adult who truly believed in us."

Abbey Nyland from the 1998-2001 F-M teams remembers team breakfasts, dance parties on bus rides, motivational quotes and challenges. "She was always finding ways to bring us closer together."

Now a PE teacher and mom of two, Nyland says she wishes her sons could have someone so great in their lives as they go through their sports careers. She keeps a small plastic card Coach Taylor gave her after a tough game, a reminder that she could handle anything.

This is the coach her former players know: one who showed up at dawn to make pancakes, who stayed up late writing chalk messages, who invested her heart while balancing her own family and career.

She Typed Out 'I Will Survive': How Coach Taylor Supported a Player Through Coming Out

Jackie Pardee's Story: The Night Coach Taylor Sent Gloria Gaynor Lyrics After a Heartbreak

Jackie Pardee's lacrosse career at Le Moyne College (2014-2018) was not always smooth. From scoring the first goal of her freshman year to not making it off the bench for an entire game during her senior year, she experienced every high and low an athlete can face.

But through it all, one thing remained constant: Coach Kathy Taylor's unwavering care and support, both on and off the field.

Pardee, now a Regional Fitness Manager in Manhattan, recalls some of the hardest moments of her college years. Coach Taylor supported her through devastating family losses and talked to her at length about complex family dynamics. And when Pardee came out as queer to her team? Coach Taylor fully supported her.

"I will never forget telling her about that first queer break up and how devastated I was," Pardee writes. "That night, an email came through from Coach Taylor letting me know she was thinking of me, and she had typed out the lyrics to 'I Will Survive' by Gloria Gaynor."

It is a moment that perfectly captures Coach Taylor's humanity, meeting a heartbroken player exactly where she was, with humor, empathy, and care.

"Through all of those ups and downs, I never once questioned how much Coach Taylor cared for me, and wanted me to succeed," Pardee says.

The impact extended beyond college. As Pardee transitioned into fitness coaching and worked for strong women with high expectations, she found herself prepared. "They have had no problem being bold, taking up space, and holding me to high standards. They didn't always tell me what I wanted to hear, and were not afraid to constructively criticize. Not only was I prepared to rise to the occasion, but I was inspired to level up, and I have Coach Taylor to thank for that."

The Transfer Student Who Found Her Home: Madison Killen's Mental Health Journey

'She Opened Her Team and Her Heart': How Coach Taylor Saved a Struggling Transfer Student

Madison Pritchard Killen had transferred multiple times and was struggling with her mental health when she arrived at Le Moyne College. She needed more than a lacrosse team. She needed a place to belong.

Coach Kathy Taylor gave her exactly that.

"After transferring multiple times and struggling with my mental health, Coach Taylor opened her team and her heart to me when I needed it most," Killen writes. "She made me feel seen, valued, and safe in a way that went far beyond being an athlete."

For Killen, who played from 2017-2019 and was part of the 2018 National Championship team, Coach Taylor represented something she had never experienced before: a coach who cared deeply about the people behind the jerseys.

"I have never had a coach who cared so deeply about the people behind the jerseys," she says. "The culture she created was rooted in trust, compassion, and believing in each other even on our hardest days."

For Killen, the impact was life-changing. "Because of her, I learned what it truly means to be part of something bigger than yourself. Her impact on my life, and on so many of us, is something I will always carry with me."

In an era when athlete mental health is finally being recognized as critical, these testimonials reveal a coach who was ahead of her time, one who understood that creating a culture of trust and compassion was not just good ethics, it was essential to building championship teams and healthy human beings.

Lindsay Abbott Byrnes describes the moment Coach Kathy Taylor entered her life as "the moment my potential finally caught up with my reality."

During her time at SUNY Cortland from 2008 to 2012, Byrnes became a four-time All-American, an accolade she never would have dared to aspire to without Coach Taylor's vision.

"Kathy possessed an uncanny ability to identify untapped strength within her players and worked tirelessly to draw it out," Byrnes writes. "She pressured me, challenged me, and moved me into 'uncomfortable' levels of play, not for the sake of the grind, but because she understood that true growth lives just beyond the border of one's comfort zone."

What sets Coach Taylor apart, according to Byrnes, is her balance of intensity and humanity. "While she demanded excellence on the field, she led with profound compassion."

The relationship did not end at graduation. Byrnes transitioned from player to colleague, coaching alongside Coach Taylor at Cortland. "In that time, I learned that her leadership wasn't just a tactic for winning games; it was an openhearted discipline designed to build better human beings."

Today, as a high school girls' lacrosse coach and mother of three, Byrnes carries Coach Taylor's philosophy as the heartbeat of her program. "I strive daily to model the qualities she instilled in me: a tireless work ethic, the courage to challenge others, and the compassion to support them through the process."

The greatest testament to a coach is the path their players take after the final whistle, and Byrnes' path speaks volumes.

The Hall of Fame Connection: Why Top Coaches Credit Coach Taylor

Katie Feeley Played for Hall of Fame Coaches but Says Kathy Taylor Made the Biggest Impact

Katie Feeley's lacrosse resume reads like a who's who of the sport's elite. She played at the University of Maryland under legendary coaches Cindy Timchal, Cathy Reese, and Jen Adams. She competed for USA teams. After graduation, she coached Division I lacrosse at Towson University for nine years under Amy Patton.

These are Hall of Fame coaches, the best of the best.

Yet when Feeley reflects on who made the biggest impact on her as a player and human being, the answer is clear: Kathy Taylor, her high school coach at Fayetteville-Manlius from 2000-2003.

"Having Kathy Taylor as a coach has made the biggest impact on me as a player and human being," Feeley writes.

During her four years at F-M, Coach Taylor gave Feeley not only a strong love for lacrosse but taught her how to play with grit, how to be a leader, and most importantly, how to be a great teammate.

"She was the coach you wanted to work for. She was a coach you wanted to win for. The passion she had for the game was contagious," Feeley recalls.

What made Coach Taylor special was creating a family environment. Feeley's fondest memories playing lacrosse stem from Coach Taylor's coaching style. Her motivational speeches, stories, and tactics continue to influence her more than 20 years later.

When someone who has worked with the sport's most decorated coaches says one person made the biggest difference, that is not just a compliment. It is a testament to transformational leadership.

From Timid Freshman to Senior Captain: Erin Kollar's Transformation

'She Taught Me to Stand Up for Myself': How Coach Taylor Built Confidence in a Quiet Freshman

Erin Kollar was a quiet, timid freshman who did not think she belonged. By the time she graduated from SUNY Cortland in 2012, she was a senior captain and a confident leader.

The transformation, she says, is entirely because of Coach Kathy Taylor.

"She taught me to stand up for myself and to believe in my capability to be a freshman starter and then a senior captain," Kollar writes. "I owe all my success to Coach Taylor. The confidence, work ethic and leadership I have gained because of the coach she was to me."

Now a teacher and coach herself, Kollar credits Coach Taylor with pushing her to a level of play she did not know was possible. "I know my story is just one of hundreds from Kathy Taylor's former players and teams because of her gift of coaching. She sees the greatness in her players and knows how to motivate them to reach new levels on and off the field. She forges a group of individuals into a team. Into a FAMILY."

But the support extended far beyond the field and graduation day. "Years after graduation, she jumped into action and offered her support in a tangible way," during some of the darkest times of Kollar's life.

Kollar still returns to Coach Taylor's messages on challenging days, particularly one phrase: "the best is yet to come."

Fourteen years after her last game, the impact remains. That is the mark of a coach who changes lives.

'Ubuntu: I Am Because We Are' - Coach Taylor's Philosophy of Community

Sarah Averson Kellner's 30-Year Bond: 'Coach Taylor Breathed Belief Into Me'

Sarah Averson Kellner met Coach Kathy Taylor thirty years ago when she was just 14 years old. Today, she serves as the head lacrosse coach at Regis University in Denver, Colorado. The connection between those two points is clear and direct.

"Coach Taylor has been my biggest fan since our lives crossed paths, thirty years ago, and I will always be grateful for what she taught me – to believe in myself," Kellner writes.

As a student-athlete at Fayetteville-Manlius from 1996-1999, Kellner experienced Coach Taylor's ability to see potential before players could see it themselves. "I am so fortunate, at 14 years old that she breathed belief into me and allowed me to see what she saw."

The relationship evolved. Kellner returned to work alongside Coach Taylor as her assistant coach from 2004-2006, gaining a new perspective on her mentor's leadership.

"Working along side her for three years as her assistant coach, I watched as she created a community of strong character, resilience, and love," Kellner says. "Coach Taylor taught me how to build community with authenticity and high integrity and I strive to emulate that in my current coaching roles."

Kellner closes her testimonial with a powerful African philosophy that encapsulates Coach Taylor's approach: "Coach Taylor, Ubuntu means - I am because we are. And I am because of you."

Ubuntu, the belief that a person is a person through other people, that we are interconnected and interdependent, is exactly what Coach Taylor built in her programs. Not just teams, but communities. Not just players, but families.

From Chief Commercial Officer to National Champions: The Breadth of Coach Taylor's Impact

Decades of Leadership: Former Players Now Leading in Business, Military, Education, and Coaching

The true measure of a coach is not found in win-loss records or championship trophies. It is found in what players become afterward. By that measure, Coach Kathy Taylor's impact is extraordinary.

In Corporate Leadership, Courtney McHugh serves as Chief Commercial Officer of a consumer nutrition company. "The lessons she taught me about leadership, confidence, integrity, and how to show up under pressure have stayed with me for decades," she says. Julia Sardella works in finance at Bloomberg in New York City. "I firmly believe that Kathy Taylor played a meaningful role in shaping my work ethic, drive, and resilience."

In Military Service, U.S. Army Major Jordan A. Miller leads over 500 soldiers and credits Coach Taylor with building the foundation of her leadership through multiple combat deployments.

In Education and Coaching, Leah Tuck serves as Director of Development at Cornell Atkinson Center for Sustainability and as Head Coach of the Fayetteville Manlius Girls Lacrosse team. Lindsay Byrnes coaches high school girls' lacrosse, modeling her entire program on Coach Taylor's philosophy. Caroline "Cacki" Helmer Langhurst is an Athletic Director at an all-girls school in Massachusetts, after winning a National Championship as Taylor's assistant coach.

In Healthcare, Nicole Delany Brown works as an occupational therapist in a hospital, helping patients achieve their true potential, skills she traces directly to Coach Taylor's influence. Olivia Lynch is a Research Coordinator at HSS and medical school applicant.

Across all these diverse careers, former players describe the same qualities: resilience, work ethic, leadership, mental toughness, and the ability to push through challenges. They credit Coach Taylor with teaching them to believe in themselves, to embrace discomfort as a path to growth, and to understand that being part of something bigger than yourself is life's greatest reward.

The Choice That Changed Everything: Cacki's Story

'Do You Want to Be Part of Something Special?' How One Question Changed an Athletic Director's Life

Caroline "Cacki" Helmer Langhurst was a freshman at Fayetteville-Manlius High School, relatively new to lacrosse, and she did not feel like she belonged on the varsity team. Then Coach Kathy Taylor pulled her aside after a particularly hard practice.

"Cacki, you have two choices," Coach Taylor told her. "If you just want to play lacrosse and have fun with your friends, you can go play for JV. But if you want to be a part of something special, you can stay here with us."

That single conversation changed the trajectory of Langhurst's life.

"Had I not chosen to stay with Coach, I am confident my life would be completely different," Langhurst writes. Today, she serves as an Athletic Director at an all-girls school in Massachusetts, a career path that began with that one choice.

Langhurst went on to play for Coach Taylor at F-M in 2005 and 2006, then returned years later to coach alongside her at Le Moyne College, winning the 2018 National Championship together.

"I found confidence as a player, because Kathy believed in me, and pushed me further than I believed I was able," Langhurst says. "I found a passion for the game, which would lead me to coach the sport at every level, from middle school and high school, to college and the international level. And most importantly, I found a purpose."

From a freshman who did not feel she belonged to an Athletic Director shaping young women's lives, all because one coach saw her potential and offered her a choice to be part of something special.

The Division I Transfer Who Found Her Best Coach at Division III

From University of Florida to SUNY Cortland: Natalie Julich Found Her Best Coach After Transferring

Natalie Julich had been playing Division I lacrosse at the University of Florida. When she transferred to SUNY Cortland for her junior year, she was nervous about joining a team halfway through her college career.

Coach Kathy Taylor made that transition easy.

"Coach Taylor made that transition easy for me. She made me feel successful, part of a team where I have made lifelong friends, and more confident in myself," writes Julich, now a special education teacher on Long Island and mother to three boys. "Coach Taylor was the best coach I have ever had."

That is a remarkable statement from someone who had experienced Division I lacrosse at one of the nation's premier programs. Yet it was at Division III SUNY Cortland, under Coach Taylor, that Julich found what she had been looking for.

One moment captures Coach Taylor's approach perfectly. Before the 2013 SUNYAC championship game, the team was in the locker room getting ready, putting on uniforms, wrapping ankles, braiding hair. "Suddenly, Coach Taylor walks in blaring 'Get Your Shine On' by Florida Georgia Line. The locker room roared, smiles all around, and the energy was high."

The speech that followed focused on opportunity: this was their time to "get their shine on," to be their best, be successful, and leave it all on the field. "Coach Taylor's passion and energy was captivating and pumped everyone up," Julich recalls. "We ended up winning that SUNYAC championship game!"

But what made Coach Taylor special extended far beyond game-day motivation. "She not only cared about us as athletic players but cared for us as women and as individuals. She was not only a coach but she was a supporter, motherly figure, and role model."

Coach Taylor shared her family with the team, hosting holiday events at her house. On away trips, she made sure to bring them to special spots so they could experience something unique about each town or city. "That is a leader who creates positive relationships and cares about her team," Julich says.

The Foundation Built Before the Championship: Chelsea Martin's Gratitude

After Winning 2015 National Championship, Chelsea Martin Thanked Coach Taylor First

Following SUNY Cortland's 2015 National Championship victory, Chelsea Martin sent one of her first messages to Coach Kathy Taylor, even though Taylor had left Cortland to coach elsewhere the year before.

"I thanked her and shared that the foundation she helped build, the standards she set and the expectations she instilled, played a meaningful role for me in preparing for that success," Martin writes.

It is a powerful testament: when you win a championship, you do not forget the person who laid the groundwork, even if they are not there to see it.

Martin played for Coach Taylor at SUNY Cortland from Fall 2011 through Summer 2014, during her freshman through junior years. Her experience with Coach Taylor can be illustrated through moments that reveal character.

During her freshman year, Martin was overwhelmed by the pace of the college game and the adjustment to campus life. In a home game against a rival, she made a defensive mistake that resulted in a goal. Discouraged and embarrassed, she ran into Coach Taylor after the game while trying to compose herself.

"In that moment, rather than being met with frustration or dismissal, she offered reassurance and support, allowing me to collect myself and move forward," Martin recalls.

Another meaningful moment came during Martin's junior year, when her academic scholarship eligibility was unexpectedly called into question. "Although Coach Taylor was not responsible for identifying the issue, she personally called me in to explain the situation and reassured me that she would work with the administration to help ensure it was reviewed appropriately. Her support during a stressful and uncertain moment left a lasting impression on me."

These were not game-winning moments or championship celebrations. They were quiet acts of care, the kind that players remember because they reveal a coach's true character.

Two Strong-Headed Women: A Goalie's Honest Tribute

Shauna Hutchinson: 'She Was a Pain in My Ass and the Best Coach I Could Have Asked For'

Shauna Hutchinson does not sugarcoat her relationship with Coach Kathy Taylor. As a goalkeeper at SUNY Cortland from 2010-2013, Hutchinson describes their dynamic with refreshing honesty.

"Although at times she was a pain in my ass because we were both two very strong-headed women, she was the best coach I could have asked for and needed," writes Hutchinson, now a heavy equipment operator in the Department of Public Works for the Village of Lake Grove.

It is the kind of testimonial that rings with authenticity, acknowledging friction while recognizing its value.

"She challenged me and pushed me to be the best version of myself on and off the field. I am a better person for knowing her," Hutchinson says simply.

This honest perspective matters. Not every player-coach relationship is seamless. Strong personalities do not always mesh easily. But that does not mean the relationship is not valuable, transformative, or exactly what was needed.

Hutchinson's testimonial, brief and direct, speaks to something important about Coach Taylor's legacy: she was not trying to be everyone's best friend. She was trying to make them better.

The Urgent Care Trip Before the Championship: Nicole Brown's Story

Coach Taylor Took Sick Player to Urgent Care Night Before National Championship, Then They Won Together

It was national championship weekend in Tampa, Florida. Le Moyne College had worked all season for this moment. Then Nicole Delany Brown woke up sick the day before the championship game.

"Kathy, without hesitation, brought me to the nearest urgent care and spoke to the doctors to make sure I was safe," Brown writes.

Think about that for a moment. The night before the biggest game of the season, Coach Taylor did not tell her player to tough it out, did not minimize the concern, did not prioritize winning over wellbeing. She took her to urgent care personally.

"We went on to win that championship, which we were striving to win for coach taylor and the program she built at Le Moyne," Brown says.

Now an occupational therapist in a hospital, Brown traces the impact directly to her playing days. "This directly impacts me to this day, working as an occupational therapist in a hospital I am able to help patients achieve their true potential, believe in themselves and challenge them to meet their goals."

Coach Taylor's influence on Brown extended far beyond lacrosse. "She pushed me beyond what I thought I was capable of, helping me grow both mentally and physically. Her intention, resilience and consistent strive for greatness and unity changed my mindset on not only lacrosse, but life. She prepared me for challenges far beyond the sport."

The urgent care trip reveals something essential about Coach Taylor's priorities. Yes, she was competitive. Yes, she wanted to win championships. But never at the expense of her players' health and safety.

From Hofstra to Le Moyne: Why Brittney Pollack Changed Her Commitment

She Decommitted from Hofstra to Play for Coach Taylor: 'Her Energy Made It Clear She Was Someone I Wanted to Learn From'

Brittney Pollack was committed to Hofstra University. Then, during her senior year of high school, she made a decision that would change her life: she attended Coach Kathy Taylor's summer camp at Le Moyne College.

"After attending her summer camp, her energy, standards, and vision were incredibly inspiring and made it clear she was someone I wanted to learn from," writes Pollack, now an Enterprise Account Executive.

Think about what that means: Pollack was willing to change her entire college commitment based on one camp experience with Coach Taylor. That is not just impressive recruiting. It is a testament to the immediate impact of Coach Taylor's leadership.

"I was originally committed to Hofstra, but during my senior year of high school I made the decision to attend Le Moyne because I wanted to play for a coach like Kathy Taylor and compete for a championship," Pollack explains.

She got both. During her time playing from 2017-2019, the team won the 2018 national championship.

But the championship was just one part of the impact. "More importantly, she taught me what thoughtful, disciplined leadership truly looks like: holding ourselves accountable, supporting one another, and showing up with integrity."

Those lessons did not stay on the lacrosse field. "Everything I learned from her continues to translate directly into my career in tech sales, from resilience under pressure to leading with clarity and purpose, and I still speak about those lessons in interviews today."

Brittney Pollack bet on Coach Taylor. It paid off in ways that extended far beyond lacrosse.

Get Your Shine On: The Power of Coach Taylor's Pre-Game Rituals

From Chalk Messages to Dance Parties: How Coach Taylor's Creative Motivation Became Lifelong Memories

Some coaches give speeches. Coach Kathy Taylor created experiences.

Multiple former players recall her unique ability to motivate through creativity, energy, and genuine belief in her teams. These were not generic pump-up tactics. They were personal, meaningful, and unforgettable.

Natalie Julich remembers the SUNY Cortland locker room before the 2013 SUNYAC championship game. The team was getting ready when "suddenly, Coach Taylor walks in blaring 'Get Your Shine On' by Florida Georgia Line. The locker room roared, smiles all around, and the energy was high."

The message: this was their opportunity to shine, to be their best, to leave everything on the field. They won the championship.

Leah Tuck recalls the day of the state tournament at Fayetteville-Manlius. Coach Taylor had the team go on a short jog to stretch before the bus ride. Along the route: motivational and loving messages written in chalk on the pavement.

"She spent the morning (or late the night before) writing them out so we could have a special moment before competing in a big game," Tuck says. "We felt the love and support of an adult who truly believed in us."

Abbey Nyland remembers a particularly tough game where she was face-guarded and did not score. The next day at practice, Coach Taylor pulled her aside and gave her a tiny plastic card, a reminder that she could handle anything the other team threw at her.

These were not random acts. They were intentional investments. Coach Taylor did not just tell her players she believed in them; she showed them through actions that took time, creativity, and heart.

 The Athletic Director's Life Lesson: Discipline, Not Punishment

Mary Elizabeth Doherty: 'The Conditioning Was Never Meant to Punish, It Was Grounded in Belief in Our Potential'

Mary Elizabeth Doherty has a unique perspective on Coach Kathy Taylor's methods. Now a mother of three, wife, teacher, and high school lacrosse coach herself, Doherty understands what it takes to build a championship program.

"Kathy Taylor is one of the most respected women's lacrosse coaches in the sport. For decades, she has helped shape the lives of countless young women, consistently pushing them to become their best selves," Doherty writes.

But it is her next observation that cuts to the heart of current allegations: "The conditioning, eight-minute drills, and long practices were never meant to punish or create anxiety; they were grounded in her belief in our potential."

Doherty played for Coach Taylor's 2005 and 2006 Fayetteville-Manlius teams, experiencing the demanding training firsthand. Her perspective is informed by maturity and her own coaching experience.

"Was I injured at times? Yes. Was it stressful? Absolutely. But that is part of the commitment one makes as a Division I athlete," Doherty says plainly.

She wishes she could have had more time under Coach Taylor's leadership, "and perhaps another state championship as well. The person I am today is, in many ways, a result of her guidance and belief in me."

When a coach says the conditioning was about believing in potential rather than punishment, and when a former player who is now a coach herself echoes that understanding, it reveals something important about the difference between developmental leadership and abuse.

Julia Sardella, who played at Le Moyne College, stated: “During the 2019 season, my junior year, I suffered a season-ending injury. Coach Taylor gave me the tools to keep my head up, and to transition into a leadership role. At no point did I feel that my injury, or anyone else’s, was handled poorly. If anything, she took our setbacks personally, approaching them with empathy and understanding.”

 Angelique Mayer (Rudy), who played at SUNY Cortland from 2012-2014 and is now Head Women’s Lacrosse Coach at Fairmont Senior High School, stated: “Never, not ever did I think that Coach didn’t care about us. Never did she tell us that we HAD to get back on the field after an injury. These stories coming out about Coach doesn’t sound like the Coach I had.” 

Erin McMullen, who played at Le Moyne from 2017-2019, stated: “She regularly checked in with players to ensure everyone was on the same page and would visit the training room to see how injured players were doing. I can proudly say she is one of the top coaches I’ve ever played for, and I will forever support Kathy.”

Abbie McEntee, a four-year starter and senior captain at Le Moyne from 2014-2018, stated: “It was apparent that the welfare of her student-athletes was a priority. She monitored our physical and mental workloads, maintained constant communication with the athletic training staff, and made daily adjustments to ensure the team was healthy. Specifically, at the end of both the fall and spring seasons when injuries and exhaustion would peak, Coach Taylor made intentional decisions regarding practice and game plans. Whether it was implementing extra recovery, shortening practices, or being methodical with playing time, these adjustments were essential to the success of the program and our well-being.”

 Grace Milmoe, who played at Le Moyne from 2016-2019, wrote: “I joined the Le Moyne women’s lacrosse program after transferring from Hobart and William Smith. Kathy recognized that I was struggling mentally and physically with an eating disorder and took me under her wing with genuine care and support. She created an environment where accountability and compassion coexisted.” 

 Brenna Bastian, who played from 2000-2004 and is now an assistant coach for the FM Varsity Girls team, wrote: “During a difficult time in my life, when my family was navigating divorce and other challenges, she was a constant, safe presence. She cared deeply about her players as individuals, not just athletes.” 

Coach Jessica Antelmi Becker, Associate Head Coach who worked with Coach Taylor at three different programs for nearly 10 years, stated: “Having coached with Kathy at three different programs for nearly 10 years, I had a front row seat to the way she approached and handled each practice, game, meeting, hardship, win, and loss. Kathy has had a long-standing reputation as one of the best, most respected coaches in our sport. She is demanding, energetic, thoughtful, knowledgeable, compassionate, and has always gone the extra mile for her staff and players. I’ve sat in dozens of meetings with players, present in times of crisis or loss for players and/or their families, and Kathy always handled them with compassion. Especially sensitive topics, like eating disorders. I sat in those meetings, I listened to the concern in Kathy’s voice, heard her question and respond without shaming or dismissing the seriousness of the situation. When it came to player injuries, Kathy, Katherine, and I deferred to the athletic training staff. Kathy always followed the protocol set forth by the athletic training staff when it came to injured players.”

Katherine Sweeney Elberty, Assistant Coach at Colgate for five years, stated: “I proudly worked under Kathy for five years as an assistant coach. Kathy set high standards and ran a disciplined, collaborative program. During my time on her staff, I grew tremendously both professionally and personally. Her leadership challenged me to be better and helped shape me into a stronger coach, leader, and professional. I am deeply grateful for my time working with Coach Taylor.”

Nicole Bello, who played at SUNY Cortland from 2012-2016 and served as Graduate Assistant Coach from 2016-18, wrote: “Coach Taylor taught us to break out of the comfort zone, ‘Get comfortable with the uncomfortable’. Beyond playing for Kathy, I was her Graduate Assistant from 2016-18. I want to make it abundantly clear that I fully support her. I have experienced her both as a player, and an assistant. Never have I even speculated abuse, or mistreatment of any athletes.”

Julie Healey, who went on to become an All-American at Towson University, stated: “Coach Taylor picked me out on the soccer field in 8th grade, put a lacrosse stick in my hand, and from there began a journey that changed the course of my life. I can honestly say I would not have been able to handle the adversity and challenges that come with being a Division I student-athlete without Coach Taylor’s guidance, support, and preparation. Coach Taylor fostered an environment built on trust, fairness, mutual respect, and yes, HARD WORK. On the contrary, she consistently prioritized the well-being, development, and character of her players; treating every girl on our team like we were her own daughters.”

Lis Galindo, who played from 2000-2004 and went on to play Division I lacrosse at Cornell University, stated: “Kathy always had us inspired to dig deep into ourselves and be beyond what we knew we could be. She was hard on us and she held us accountable. She taught responsibility, integrity and grit. Kathy coached us to greatness, while at the same time, she cared deeply for us. We were her team, her kids.”

Brenna Bastian wrote: “Kathy was the reason lacrosse thrived at our school and community. She built the program from the ground up. By my graduating year, nearly our entire starting lineup went on to play collegiate sports, with 10 out of 11 competing at the Division I level. That success is a direct reflection of Kathy’s dedication. To this day, Kathy remains an important presence in my life. She attended my wedding, has supported my own children, and was one of my biggest cheerleaders when I decided to return and coach at the very program she once guided me through.”

Laura Rogers, who played at SUNY Cortland from 2009-2013, stated: “Playing for Kathy Taylor was an absolute privilege. She taught us that with grit, work ethic, and belief in yourself, you can achieve anything. Off the field, Coach Taylor’s door was always open. It was clear that she cared for us as individuals. She made sure we viewed each other as family.”

Maria Difato June, Coach Taylor’s very first college recruit at SUNY Cortland, wrote: “Coach Kathy’s coaching style was tough, there’s no denying that, but everything she did had a purpose. She always related her coaching techniques to real-life lessons. Outside of coaching, Coach Kathy was always there. Whether it was personal struggles or academic concerns, she was willing to listen and help. Kathy Taylor is a great coach, but even more than that, she is an incredible person.”

Erica Geremia, who played at both Cortland and Le Moyne from 2012-2016 and transferred schools to continue playing for Coach Taylor, stated: “I enjoyed every moment of my playing days under Kathy. I wanted to chase championships. I wanted to be a part of an environment that had big goals and high expectations. I wanted to play for a coach who believed in me and Kathy couldn’t have believed in me more as a player.”

Sydney Meagher, who played at Le Moyne from 2017-2019, stated: “Coach Taylor was demanding and competitive, but also intentional and ultimately very positive. Even in the three years I played under a different coach in the same program, my teammates and I, as captains, constantly tried to recreate the culture and connection Kathy built at Le Moyne. That culture was rooted in her standards, her example, and the respect we all had for her and each other.”

Molly Hines, who played at Le Moyne from 2016-2019, stated: “Kathy Taylor’s coaching style, defined by high standards, intentional leadership, and a willingness to go beyond traditional limits, created an environment where we were continually challenged to grow. She consistently supported her athletes on and off the field, offering guidance, accountability, and encouragement while fostering a culture of trust, resilience, and mutual support.”

Kelly Gaffney, who played at Le Moyne from 2014-2018, stated: “Coach Taylor was the toughest coach I ever played for but she made me realize that I didn’t ‘know it all.’ She had the highest expectations for her players, wouldn’t settle for less, and wanted us to reach individual and team goals. Coach Taylor not only developed me into a greatly improved player, and led our team to a national championship, but she helped me become the person I am today.”

Tara Monaghan, who played at SUNY Cortland from 2012-2016, stated: “Coach Kathy Taylor had a profound impact on my life. Coach Taylor taught me the value of working hard when no one is watching, how commitment and accountability lead to growth both on and off the field. Above all that, Kathy instilled the value of teamwork and showing up for one another. These allegations do not match her character.”

Courtney Farrell Shute, who played in high school for four years and then coached with Coach Taylor at SUNY Cortland for three years, wrote: “I learned from Kathy that leadership requires compassionate courage, as well as honesty with empathy. I have often reflected on my sincere gratitude for crossing paths with Kathy. I believe in me, largely because of you, Kathy.”

Katie Kerner, who played at Le Moyne from 2015-2019, wrote: “My lacrosse career included several injuries, but Coach Taylor was always there, supporting me through every setback. When I doubted myself, she reminded me of my potential and pushed me to keep moving forward. Coach Taylor consistently brought philanthropies to our team and emphasized the importance of student-athletes using their voices.”

Julie Frechette, who played at Fayetteville-Manlius during the 2003 and 2004 NYS Championship seasons, stated: “I always felt that my athletic skills were valued and she always made me believe in my potential as a lacrosse player. She had an incredible talent for knowing when she saw greatness in a team and in a person. She taught us how to be resilient and to value teamwork above all else.”

Gina (Campese) Casaletta, who played at SUNY Cortland from 2009-2013, stated: “I had a positive experience as a student-athlete at SUNY Cortland. She was always tough but fair, consistently pushing me to become the person and player I grew into during my career. Competing in three Final Four appearances was a testament to her leadership and the culture she built. Coach Taylor truly put SUNY Cortland on the map for Division III women’s lacrosse.”

Meghan Klepper Vagnone, who played on the FM Hornets 2004 & 2005 teams, wrote: “Coach Taylor pushed me to work harder than I ever thought possible, both physically and mentally. That intensity taught me resilience, discipline, and a strong work ethic. There were moments of challenge, but I always felt supported in my growth and encouraged to chase excellence. The journey I took over 20 years ago will be some of my most favorite memories, that will bond our team together forever.”

Kayla Matlock, who played from 2004-2006 and is now a JV lacrosse coach at Fayetteville-Manlius, wrote: “I absolutely loved playing for Coach Taylor. She inspired me to do my best and become better at every practice. The bond that she created with each team was strong. The allegations against her absolutely do not fit the experience I had, and also do not fit the person I know.”

Casey Farewell, who played from 2004-2005 at Fayetteville-Manlius and 2009 at SUNY Cortland, stated: “Coach Taylor was tough but fair. At times, she believed in me more than I believed in myself, and that confidence motivated me to work harder and find that belief within myself. It wasn’t always easy, but it was invaluable.”

Mari Stefano, who played from 2003-2004, stated: “I can honestly say outside of my family, she is the single most adult that had the largest impact on my life during those such formative years. She pushed us past what we thought was possible but while also always caring for us. Twenty plus years on, I often refer back to her inspirational stories and quotes.”

Katie DeBlois Brown, who played from 2002-2005 and won two State Championships, stated: “I’m incredibly grateful for my high school lacrosse coach, Kathy Taylor, and the positive impact she had on my life. The lessons and values I learned under Coach Taylor’s leadership, such as hard work, teamwork, discipline and determination, still influence me today. I’m still surrounded by many of my former FM teammates. We look back fondly on our years playing for Coach Taylor and the bond she helped foster between all of us.”

Sidney Hall, who played at Le Moyne from 2016-2021, wrote: “Kathy Taylor was undoubtedly a tough coach; her leadership pushed our team to heights we had never reached before, including the school’s first and only women’s national championship title. Her expectations were high because she believed in our potential. When playing, I often would put immense pressure on myself, but her coaching style was never one-size-fits-all. She took the time to understand my needs and adjusted her approach to help me succeed.”