The NCAA Tournament is finally here, and with it comes the penultimate IWLCA coaches poll of the 2026 season. While no further rankings shifts will happen until after the championship game, our top 10 talk continues weekly until the final whistle. Here’s how the nation’s best stack up as they enter the Big Dance.
1. North Carolina Tar Heels
This Week: NCAA Tournament Round 2 (vs. No. 12 Clemson/Davidson winner)
The Tar Heels hold the top spot in the coaches poll, but the selection committee gave them the No. 2 overall seed, likely due to their No. 2 RPI ranking. After a well-timed break, North Carolina prepares for what could be a rematch against ACC rival Clemson. When these two met in March, the Tar Heels prevailed 12-9, powered by seven goals from Chloe Humphrey. As they chase a repeat national championship, expect UNC to aim for an even more dominant performance this time around.
2. Northwestern Wildcats
This Week: NCAA Tournament Round 2 (vs. No. 16 Notre Dame/No. 22 James Madison winner)
Northwestern earned the tournament’s top overall seed and will face the winner of what promises to be a thrilling first-round clash between Notre Dame and James Madison. Star attacker Madison Taylor thrives on these big stages, while goalkeeper Jenika Cuocco anchors a stingy defense. The Wildcats have title dreams, but they’ll need to stay sharp to avoid an early upset on Sunday.
3. Maryland Terrapins
This Week: NCAA Tournament Round 2 (vs. No. 17 Princeton/No. 20 Rutgers winner)
After falling to Northwestern in the Big Ten Tournament title game, the Terrapins are hungry for redemption. They received the final first-round bye in the 29-team bracket, meaning their tournament starts Sunday. Maryland hasn’t faced Princeton this season, but they did handle Rutgers 18-11 back on April 4. Either opponent will test a Terrapins squad eager to prove they belong among the elite.
4. (Next team in rankings)
This Week: NCAA Tournament Round 1 (vs. Albany)
As the tournament kicks off, every game matters. The road to the championship is paved with pressure, and only the strongest will survive. Stay tuned as we track every twist and turn in the weeks ahead.