TOWSON, Md. – Goucher College volleyball head coach Kate Lindholm and women’s lacrosse head coach Katie Russo have been selected to participate in the upcoming WeCOACH NCAA Women Coaches Academy programs, earning scholarship support to attend the national leadership development event scheduled for May 18-20, 2026, in Denver, Colorado.
Hosted in partnership with the NCAA, these premier leadership development programs provide multi-day, transformational experiences for women coaches across all sports and collegiate levels.
Lindholm will participate in the NCAA Women Coaches Academy Class #56 and was selected as the recipient of the Landmark Conference Partial Tuition Scholarship and the Cecile Reynaud Legacy Coach Academy Scholarship. Russo will take part in the NCAA Academy 2.0 Class #9 after earning the Ann Walker Tuition Scholarship.
The Cecile Reynaud Legacy Coach Academy Scholarship is presented to a collegiate woman coach who demonstrates a commitment to advancing women in sport while giving tirelessly to their program and profession. The Ann Walker Tuition Scholarship is awarded to women coaches who demonstrate financial need and share how the Academy experience will support their continued growth and leadership development.
"We are incredibly proud of Kate and Katie for earning these opportunities through WeCOACH and excited to continue supporting their growth as leaders in our profession,” said Landmark Commissioner Katie Boldvich. “Our partnership with WeCOACH has been one of the highlights of this year, and it has been rewarding to see the meaningful impact these programs have on our coaches across the conference. Investing in women leaders and creating opportunities for connection, development, and mentorship matters, and we are grateful to play a small role in helping make experiences like this possible.”
This year, 122 women coaches will participate in the programs, including 98 in the NCAA Women Coaches Academy and 24 in NCAA Academy 2.0. Participants represent 20 sports and a broad range of institutions across NCAA Divisions I, II, and III, as well as the NAIA, NJCAA, and other collegiate organizations.
“Through its continued partnership with WeCOACH, the NCAA is proud to support and host the 2026 NCAA Women Coaches Academy and NCAA Academy 2.0,” said DeeDee Merritt. “These academies create transformative leadership opportunities that empower women coaches, support their retention, and reinforce the collegiate athletics landscape.”
A highlight of this year’s academies will be the presentation of the 2025-26 Lifetime Achievement Awards, presented by Jostens, honoring five women coaches for their lasting impact on the profession: Kathy Aspaas, Valorie Kondos Field, Dr. Tina Sloan Green, Billie Jean King, Lorene Ramsey, and Barbara Stevens.
“The Academy provides a transformational experience where participants leave with renewed purpose, actionable strategies, and a lasting support network,” said Vanessa Fuchs. “Our data shows graduates continue to remain in coaching at rates well above the national average, and we are committed to broadening that impact.”
Since its inception, more than 2,500 coaches have graduated from the academies.
NCAA Academy 2.0, designed exclusively for Women Coaches Academy alumnae, offers an advanced and immersive experience with a deeper focus on leadership growth in a highly interactive environment.
To learn more about WeCOACH Academy programs or support scholarship opportunities, visit: