WASHINGTON, D.C. – Goalkeeper Megan Taylor was named the recipient of the Tewaaraton Award, becoming the first goalkeeper ever to win the prestigious honor Thursday night at the National Museum of the American Indian.
The Tewaaraton Award, in its 19th year, annually honors the top male and top female college lacrosse player in the United States.
"I'm incredibly honored to win the Tewaaraton Award," said Taylor. "Huge thank you and credit go out to my amazing parents and family, the most incredible coaches anyone can ask for and to my Terps, I wouldn't be up here without you. For the past four years you guys have impacted my life more than you could ever imagine. I love you all so much. Forever Terp Time."
Taylor, who was only the second goalkeeper ever to be a finalist for the Tewaaraton Award became the first goalkeeper ever, men or women to win the Tewaaraton. By earning lacrosse's most presitgous honor, Taylor became the sixth Terp all-time to win the award, and the ninth time a Terp has won. Jen Adams won the first Tewaaraton in 2001, and Caitlyn Phipps earned the honor in 2010. Katie Schwarzmann won back-to-back Tewaaratons in 2012 and 2013. Taylor Cummings became the first ever three-time winner from 2014-16, while Zoe Stukenberg took home the honors in 2017.
"What an honor for Megan," said head coach Cathy Reese. "An honor that's so well deserved. To go through the career and season that she had, I'm just so happy for her that she received the highest honor in the sport. Huge honor for her, our university, and the goalie position."
A senior co-captain in 2019, Taylor had one of the best seasons ever by a goalkeeper this season, leading Maryland to the National Championship. Taylor had a .551 save percentage (217 saves, 177 goals allowed), the best mark of any power five goalie in the country. The senior had over a 50-percent save percentage in 17 of 23 games and tallied a 8.44 goals against average, backlining a Maryland defense that held opponents to just 8.09 goals per game, the fifth best mark in the country.
One of the most decorated goaltenders to ever play lacrosse, Taylor was named the NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player after posting 24 saves to only 23 goals allowed in the Final Four and securing 10 saves in the National Championship against Boston College. Taylor also became the first ever player to win their position's award four years in a row as she was named the Big Ten Goaltender of the Year for the fourth consecutive year. The Glenelg, Md. native was also a three-time IWLCA National Player of the Week and won the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week a conference record six weeks in a row.
Taylor finished her Maryland career with a remarkable 84-4 record in goal and ended with a .512 save percentage and 740 saves, the second highest of any Maryland goalie ever. The senior won two National Championships, seven Conference Championships and never lost a game at home.
Midfielder Jen Giles was one of five Tewaaraton finalists alongside Taylor.
– Maryland –
