Taylor Cummings & Her Lacrosse Journey

Mikaela Garcia — September 15, 2021

Taylor Cummings started playing lacrosse at six years old. Now, more than 20 years later, she is still playing the game she loves.

Cummings developed her skills playing for the M&D 2012 Black travel team. She then attended McDonogh School in Owings Mills, Md., where she won four state championships. 

Her high school success led her to being named the Inside Lacrosse top rising senior in 2011. Cummings chose the University of Maryland to continue her lacrosse career.

While there, she became the first ever three-time Tewaaraton Award winner, a three-time Honda Award winner and two-time Big Ten Midfielder of Year.

By the time her playing days ended for Maryland, Cummings had put together one of the greatest college careers in the history of the sport.

“The best four years of my life. I played with and for the best people ever,” said Cummings on her time in College Park.

After graduating in 2016 with a bachelor’s degree in finance, Cummings went on to play for Team USA, who won gold in the FIL World Cup in 2017. 

Cummings recently wrapped up the inaugural Athletes Unlimited Lacrosse season. She finished with 1,943 points, and was named as the sole champion.

It is the third league she has competed in during her pro career.

“I’ve been a part of all three pro leagues and have been super fortunate to do so. AU was by far the most professional experience I’ve had,” said Cummings.

The sport of lacrosse has a lot of momentum at present, and the now 27-year-old has high hopes for the future.

“The goals I have are to continue to fight for equal pay, visibility, and support. This will help to continue to grow [the game] and get the recognition the women’s game deserves,” she said.

While still playing the game, Cummings is also coaching it. She is the head coach at her high school alma mater, a place that means a lot to her. 

“I loved my experience at McDonogh as a student and wanted to go back to a place that meant so much to me,” she said.

Cummings has been the head coach at McDonogh since May 2018 after being an assistant for one season. For her, coaching is about more than just lacrosse.

“I want each of my players to come out of our program having learned a ton on and off the field, developed relationships with teammates and coaches that will last beyond their high school years, and continued to grow into confident, amazing young women,” said Cummings.

When reflecting on her career thus far, Cummings is very thankful for the support she has received from her teammates, coaches, friends, and especially, her family.

“My parents have inspired me throughout the years. They both work so hard and have been so supportive throughout every step of my journey,” she said.

Everyone knows about the high amount of success that Cummings has had throughout her lacrosse career. What many may not know are some of the sacrifices that had to be made to achieve that success.

“Lots of missed family and friend events, early morning training, time away from the people I love,” said Cummings when discussing some of the sacrifices. 

However, all those sacrifices were worth it. They led to many accomplishments and proud moments. Her proudest is winning the NCAA National Championship in 2014.

Cummings has no regrets about the journey she has been on for more than 20 years.

“I would not [change] one thing,” she said.