The Minnesota Golden Gophers women’s basketball team is set to make its NCAA Tournament debut for the first time since 2018. This marks a significant achievement for the program, which has seen a resurgence under head coach Dawn Plitzuweit.
Prior to the tournament, the Gophers won 11 of their last 13 games, showcasing their strong performance in the Big Ten. They finished the regular season with 13 wins in conference play, a feat they have accomplished only twice before in program history.
Dawn Plitzuweit has made a notable impact in her tenure, achieving 26 league wins in her first three seasons, ranking third in the program’s history. She is only the second coach in the program’s history to achieve 20 wins in three consecutive seasons.
As the Gophers prepare for the tournament, they are currently ranked No. 18 in the AP Top 25 and No. 19 in the USA Today Coaches Poll. Their strong season has also seen individual players shine, with Amaya Battle surpassing Lindsay Whalen to become Minnesota’s No. 2 all-time assists leader.
Grace Grocholski has led the team in scoring this season with 380 points, while Tori McKinney has averaged 13.5 points per game over the last 12 games. Additionally, Sophie Hart recorded her fourth double-double of the season against Ohio State, further contributing to the team’s success.
The Gophers have a historical background in the NCAA Tournament, holding an all-time record of 13-10. They have only hosted the tournament twice, in 2004 and 2005, making this year’s participation particularly significant.
Observers note that the Gophers’ recent performance, including a nine-game winning streak from January 18 to February 18, 2026, has set a positive tone heading into the tournament. The team’s defensive efforts have also been commendable, allowing an average of 57.9 points per game.
As the Gophers gear up for their first matchup, excitement surrounds the program and its potential to make a deep run in the tournament. The upcoming games will be crucial in determining how far they can advance.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding their specific matchup in the tournament, but the anticipation continues to build among fans and players alike.
