TAMPA, Fla. - Taylor Matthews has finished first in nearly every aspect of her life.

This Tampa Catholic graduate is on her way to Howard University as the first Crusader lacrosse player to move on to the Division I level.

“I’m really excited, but I’m definitely nervous because it is a change and it is D-I lacrosse,” she said.

No need for nerves because Taylor brings a lot to any team she plays on. At Tampa Catholic, she led the Crusaders in goals her senior year. But her coach Pete Mastro said she contributed more than just a lot of points.

“Her athleticism, her heart on the field, her Lax IQ, she has it all,” Mastro said.

Taylor leaves the Crusaders lacrosse program in better shape than when she got there. She helped lay the foundation for consistent winning on and off the field.

“In eighth grade, I decided this is what I want to do,” she said. “I love playing. I love the camaraderie of the team, so I was like why not keep doing something that I love."

“I just love being on the field. I love it. Its my home.”