TOWSON, Md. - As the Landmark Conference counts down to the start of the 2026-27 academic year, the Conference will revisit some of the best stories from its member institutions through the Landmark Rewind series.
Running August 3-14, Landmark Rewind will spotlight one Landmark institution each weekday by featuring two stories originally produced by that school's athletics department. From student-athlete features and championship moments to community impact and campus initiatives, the series gives fans another opportunity to discover the people and programs that make the Landmark Conference special before fall competition begins.
For Goucher College head coaches Katie Russo (Women’s Lacrosse) and Kate Lindholm (Women’s Volleyball), the spring of 2026 provided an opportunity to learn, connect, and grow professionally when both were selected to attend WeCOACH Academies on scholarship. This allowed the pair of coaches to take part in one of the most respected leadership development programs in intercollegiate athletics.
WeCOACH is the nation's premier organization dedicated to recruiting, advancing, and retaining women coaches across all levels of sport. Each year, the NCAA Women Coaches Academy (WCA) and the Academy 2.0 bring together coaches from across the country for an immersive leadership experience focused on communication, career development, emotional intelligence, relationship building, and personal leadership. Scholarships are awarded through a competitive application process based on financial need, leadership potential, and a demonstrated commitment to growing the profession.
Lindholm represented Goucher College at the Women Coaches Academy after earning two scholarships to attend. She received the Cecile Reynaud Legacy Coach Academy Scholarship. This scholarship will be awarded to a collegiate woman coach in any sport who gives tirelessly of their time and talents to not only advance their sport, but also empower women, as Coach Reynaud continues to do. Lindholm had also earned the Landmark Conference Partial Tuition Scholarship.
“I was honored to attend the WeCOACH Academy this year,” said Lindholm. “I had the opportunity to meet other coaches, learn about their stories, and build a support system. I heard from incredible speakers who taught us about communication, culture building, how to find our core values, and more. It was empowering to be surrounded by so many accomplished, strong, yet vulnerable women coaches. This experience filled my cup, and I cannot wait to pour it back into my athletes and program this upcoming season.”
Russo was selected as a participant in the 2026 NCAA WeCOACH Academy 2.0 after earning the Ann Walker Tuition Scholarship, awarded to collegiate women coaches who provide compelling responses about what they hope to gain from the transformative experience of attending the Academy. Her selection reflects the leadership she has demonstrated throughout her coaching career and her commitment to fostering an environment where student-athletes can compete with confidence while developing both on and off the field.
“WeCOACH Academy 2.0 reminded me of the work I am doing and the impact that I am making on others,” said Russo. “I am thankful for the opportunity to attend and learn from the amazing coaches and mentors.”
For both coaches, the experience provided more than professional development. It created opportunities to build lasting relationships with coaches from across the country, gain new perspectives on leadership, and return to Goucher with fresh ideas to enhance their programs and better serve their student-athletes.
As Russo and Lindholm continue leading the next generation of Gophers, the lessons, relationships, and inspiration gained through the WeCOACH Academy will undoubtedly shape their programs for years to come. Their participation serves as a reminder that great coaches never stop learning and that leadership begins with a willingness to grow.