Midfielder Taylor Kornieck makes an impact with San Diego Wave

One of the most noteworthy acquisitions by San Diego Wave Fútbol Club has undoubtedly been the addition of midfielder Taylor Kornieck.

Kornieck was selected with the third overall pick in the 2020 NWSL College Draft out of the University of Colorado by Orlando Pride, which traded up to select her. She was the highest draft selection in the team’s history playing alongside forwards Alex Morgan and Jodi Taylor who are now her current teammates in San Diego.

“I love San Diego,” said Kornieck. “I have so many friends and family here that it feels like home. The weather is beautiful every single day and I love it.”

At the club level, Kornieck played soccer for the San Diego Surf and Las Vegas Premier ECNL clubs along with being captain of the Nevada Olympic Development Program team. The Michigan native grew up in Henderson, Nev., and was a 2015 NSCAA All-American at Coronado High School where she served as team captain. As a senior, she was named Gatorade Player of the Year for Nevada leading her school to the Division I state championship.

Standing at 6 feet 1 inch, Kornieck is the tallest player in the NWSL. “I take it as an advantage because my aerial game is top-tier,” she added. “Growing up my mom put me in dance classes so I could work on my coordination so I’m tall but I move, I have really good agility.”

Taylor Kornieck (right) in training with teammates Kelsey Turnbow (middle), and Emerson Layne. COURTESY PHOTO

The 23-year-old represented the United States at the U18 level where she served as team captain in 2016. Kornieck scored her first international goal while representing the United States at the U19 level in a win over England and was also part of the U20 team the following year.

“Taylor has been awesome, I played against her last year versus Orlando, so it’s been fun to get to know her as a person,” said San Diego Wave defender Kristen McNabb. “She’s great to have on your team. Just stick her in the middle of the field and she wins literally everything, it’s been awesome.”

Kornieck and her teammates continue their preseason training under head coach Casey Stoney at Del Mar Surf’s Sports Park training facility with their first match of the 2022 NWSL Challenge Cup just around the corner on March 19 against Angel City FC. The five-week tournament will have them facing off twice against their new rivals from Los Angeles along with home and away matches versus Portland Thorns and O.L. Reign with the regular season starting immediately after the tournament.

“I’m just so excited to see how we’re going to do this season,” Kornieck said. “This team chemistry is so amazing and that’s just going to carry on to the field. I know everyone is eager to get out there and play our first game.”