Taylor Knaack Class: Junior Hometown: Arlington, TX High School: Martin Height: 5-4 Position: Midfielder/Forward Club Team: Dallas Texans

Speedy forward who made rapid recovery from ACL injury to become one of Notre Dame's first players off the bench as a sophomore ... will look for an even greater role with the Notre Dame offense as the Irish replace a significant amount of scoring punch lost to graduation ... promising talent with great mobility and a tireless work rate ... combined with Erica Iantorno, the duo can wear down a defense with their hustle and ability to pressure the ball ... battle-tested competitor who knows how to handle pressure and win big games, as evidenced by seven of her 12 points last season coming in the postseason ... her on-field personality and playing flair adds to Notre Dame's long tradition of producing exciting players in the attacking third ... a creative player, constantly in motion and effective at getting in behind the defense ... very dangerous when running at opponents but looking to improve on playing with her back to the goal ... also will be focused on boosting her efficiency around the net ... has versatility to play multiple positions if needed ... one of 24 Texas natives to play for Notre Dame (six on 2009 roster) ... dons number-four jersey last worn by standout defender Kim Lorenzen (2006 captain).

AS A SOPHOMORE: Played in all 27 games for the Irish ... made four starts ... totaled five goals and two assists for 12 points ... netted her first career goal in Notre Dame's season-opening win over Michigan ... her goal in that contest gave the Irish a 4-0 lead ... registered her next point with her first career assist in Notre Dame's win over Cincinnati (6-0), as she assisted on the second of Melissa Henderson's three goals on the afternoon ... put together a three-game scoring streak in Notre Dame win versus Seton Hall (6-0), Cincinnati (5-0) and Marquette (2-0) ... those goals versus Cincinnati and Marquette came in BIG EAST tournament play, with her goal scored against Marquette providing some breathing room for the Irish ... had an assist in Notre Dame's 5-2 NCAA Championship first round win over Toledo ... scored the important second goal versus No. 6 Florida State in Notre Dame's 2-0 win against the Seminoles to help seal the win and send the Irish to the 2008 College Cup ... for the goal, Knaack finished a Kerri Hanks cross in front for her fifth goal of the season ... one of a record setting 19 players to score for the Irish last season.

AS A FRESHMAN: Did not play last season while recovering from ACL injury suffered in May 2007 ... made unofficial Notre Dame debut during spring 2008 exhibition win over Mexican National Team (2-1).

ODP/CLUB HIGHLIGHTS: Member of ODP Region III team in 2003, playing for ODP North Texas state team from 2002-04 ... invited to 2003 National Team Camp (Austin) ... key member of Dallas Texans from 2001-2007, helping team advance to USYS national semifinals in 2004 and '06 ... led Texans to 2004-06 North Texas titles and spot in Region III tournament ... helped Texans win 2004 Region III title in Austin before advancing to Orlando for nationals ('06 held in Des Moines, Iowa) ... scored winning goal in final game of 2005 Disney Showcase (the Texans also won that event in '06) ... received Texans outstanding attacker award ... played for Tejanos club from 1999-2001.

PREP & PERSONAL: Four-time all-conference at Martin High School, helping win four conference titles and compile 2005 undefeated season (as a sophomore) ... first team all-region as a sophomore and junior ... led team in scoring her first three seasons (first team all-district each year) ... named Martin's attacker of the year in 2004, as only freshman on varsity ... set team record for assists in a season (26, in '04) ... named one of three "players to watch" by Fort Worth Star-Telegram ... named to 2004 Plano Invitational all-tournament team ... born Sept. 30, 1988, in Fort Worth, Texas ... daughter of Ted and Wendy Knaack ... full name is Taylor Ann Knaack ... enrolled in the Mendoza College of Business as a marketing major.

Knaack's Career Statistics

Knaack In the Post Season