When recruiting season began last July, the first call Taylor Thornton received came from NCAA lacrosse powerhouse Northwestern.

"That was really surprising," Thornton said. "That made me want to get better."

Thornton did that by leading her team to a 22-1 record and helping Hockaday win a second consecutive Texas Girls High School Lacrosse League Division I state championship. She has signed with Northwestern, which has won five consecutive national championships.

STEELE BURROW / DMN

Hockaday's Taylor Thornton.

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Thornton finished with 79 goals, 23 assists and 52 groundballs. Thornton had 48 goals, five assists and 46 groundballs in 2008 when she was also named SportsDay's player of the year.

The midfielder's speed and quickness made her a dominant force on offense and defense. But she prided herself on her leadership qualities after the team got a new coach and graduated nine seniors last year.

"It was a season to rebuild," Thornton said. "I grew a lot as a player. I wanted to be a leader on and off the field. I wanted to go out on a high note and win another state championship."

Thornton made sure of that by dominating play in Hockaday's victory over Houston St. John's in the state championship game.

ELIA KOCHAN
Hockaday

In her first season, Kochan guided Hockaday to its second straight state championship and a 22-1 record. Kochan played at Syracuse and previously coached at the University of Dallas.