Patch Whiz Kid of the Week: Taylor Trimble

Each week, Marple Newtown Patch will seek suggestions from readers for individual kids, youth groups, teens, and even sports teams that wow us with their accomplishments. This week, we highlight Episcopal Academy All-American lacrosse player Taylor Trimble.

Patch Whiz Kid of the Week: Margaret Taylor Trimble

Whiz Kid's Name, Age: Goes by "Taylor," 18

Whiz Kid's School:

Whiz Kid's Accomplishment: Last year when Taylor Trimble was a junior midfielder at Episcopal Academy, she was named a two-time winner of the Heather Leigh Albert Award as the outstanding player in the Schoolgirls Division of the U.S. Lacrosse Women’s Division National Tournament–the only third player in history to receive the award twice. That same year, Taylor committed to playing Division 1 Lacrosse for Duke University. This year, she was named captain of the U.S. Under-19 National Women's Lacrosse Team. Taylor will lead the team of 24 girls to the 2011 Federation of International Lacrosse Under-19 World Championship in early August in Hannover, Germany.

Whiz Kid's Key to Awesomeness: Contrary to popular assumptions, Taylor actually only started playing lacrosse in the sixth-grade at Episcopal Academy out on a whim. Before she picked up a stick, she was all about softball.

"I was all into softball," recalled Taylor. "But I decided to try it [lacrosse] and once I picked up a stick, I just fell in love with it. I can't really describe it."

But it was only a matter of time for Taylor to pick up the sport, which some may think came naturally. Taylor comes from a line of lacrosse players in the family from older cousins, who she "always looked up to," to her own mother who used to play competitively for William & Mary.

"She [Taylor's mother] knew i would catch the bug someday," said Taylor. "She never pressured me but knew I would enjoy playing it."

Since that first time she picked up a stick, Taylor hasn't looked back since and can be seen on and off the field at Episcopal Academy to practicing with friends or on her own. According to Taylor, she plays lacrosse roughly 14 hours a week but her passion for the sport lies deep and never complains about practice.

"I just love the game, the stick work, everything" said Taylor. "I love to run. Running relieves stress for me when I'm having a bad day and lacrosse is the fastest sport on land–it has to be. There's so much running involved. The biggest reason why I think I've had some success is because I genuinely love the game. I don't dread practice and I never get sick of it."

This summer will be the first time Taylor has traveled outside the country and is excited to lead the U.S. Under-19 team in Germany. She also shared her excitement to play for the Blue Devils come fall.

"I'm just trying to take it in now," said Taylor about playing for Duke in the fall. "They've been in the top 10 since I can remember and they were a team that I've always been dreaming of playing. It was so surreal when i committed. It was a totally dream come true."

Editor's note: Know a great kid who made Eagle Scout or did your local soccer team take the championship? They may be our next Patch Whiz Kid honoree. We want to hear about these amazing children and teens and select one each week as the Patch Whiz Kid.