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

Speedy forward who has made rapid recovery from ACL injury ... looks to make important contributions to Notre Dame offense in 2008 ... promising talent with great mobility and tireless workrate ... battle-tested competitor who knows how to handle pressure and win big games, as product of elite Dallas Texans club ... her on-field personality and playing flair should add 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 opponent but looking to improve on playing with her back to the goal ... also will be focused on boosting her goalscoring efficiency ... expected to be tremendous addition, as she will provide yet another dimension to already potent attack ... has versatility to play multiple positions if needed ... one of 24 Texas natives to play for Notre Dame (seven on 2008 roster) ... dons number-four jersey last worn by standout defender Kim Lorenzen (2006 captain).

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 alltournament 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.