April 12, 2013

Each week during the 2012-13 season a Maryland student-athlete, who has shown excellence on and off the playing field, will be selected as the Solomon Eye Associates Terp of the Week. This week's Solomon Eye Associates Terp of the Week is Taylor Cummings from women's lacrosse.

In the Terps' win over No. 2 North Carolina last weekend, Cummings tallied four goals and six draw controls to help Maryland secure the top seed in the upcoming ACC tournament.

It is no surprise that Freshman Taylor Cummings has started her collegiate career with a bang, greatly contributing to the nation's No. 1 offense.

Coming to Maryland as arguably the most decorated high school player in the 2012 graduating class, Cummings fits seamlessly into Maryland's dominating attack.

"The transition from high school to college has been really smooth, and I thank my teammates for that," says Cummings. "The difference is that every player on the field is incredibly talented, and it wasn't always like that in high school. I have learned that it is imperative to come out every game ready to play because we face such strong competition."

Cummings has the ability to perform under pressure, allowing her to play a pivotal role in Maryland's big win against No. 2 ranked North Carolina (14-13) on April 6. Cummings dominated all sides of the field, scoring four goals and leading the team in draw controls (6).

So far this year, Cummings has started at center in all 15 games, and leads the Terps in draw controls with 67 and caused turnovers with 14. She has racked up 29 goals and 10 assists on the season and seems to be getting stronger every game.

"Seniors, especially Alex Aust and Katie Schwarzmann, are really influential in my play," says Cummings. "Learning from their style of play is what has helped build my skill and increased my field awareness. Without their support and guidance on and off the field I don't think I would be as successful."

Cummings, an Ellicott City native, earned top honors in high school including Baltimore Sun Athlete of the Year in both 2011 and 2012, 2011 and 2012 Lacrosse Magazine Mid-Atlantic Player of the Year, Inside Lacrosse No. 1 rising freshman and Under Armour All-American MVP in 2012.

Cummings has certainly lived up to the high expectations set from her decorated high school career, and no one is more excited about that than her.

"Maryland has such an amazing program history and I am proud to get a chance to make an impact," says Cummings. "Having such talented teammates makes my job a lot easier, and I am excited to see what the future holds for our team this season."