The Minnesota Golden Gophers women’s basketball team is making headlines as they prepare to compete in the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2018. This significant achievement comes on the heels of an impressive season, where the Gophers won 11 of their last 13 games, solidifying their position as a formidable contender.
Under the leadership of head coach Dawn Plitzuweit, the Gophers have reached 13 wins in Big Ten play for only the third time in program history. Plitzuweit’s success is notable, as she has amassed 26 league wins in her first three seasons, ranking third in the program’s history.
The Gophers’ journey to the NCAA Tournament is particularly remarkable considering they have only hosted the tournament twice before, in 2004 and 2005. With an all-time record of 13-10 in NCAA play, Minnesota is poised to make a strong showing this year.
Ranked No. 18 in the AP Top 25 and No. 19 in the USA Today Coaches Poll, the Gophers have demonstrated their prowess on the court. Key players have stepped up, including Amaya Battle, who recently surpassed Lindsay Whalen to become Minnesota’s No. 2 all-time assists leader.
Tori McKinney has also made a significant impact, averaging 13.5 points per game over the last 12 games, while Grace Grocholski leads the team with 380 points this season. Additionally, Sophie Hart recorded her fourth double-double of the season against Ohio State, showcasing the team’s depth and talent.
As the Gophers prepare for their upcoming matchup against the Ole Miss Rebels, excitement is building among fans and players alike. Observers are eager to see how the team will perform on this national stage, especially given their recent nine-game winning streak from January 18 to February 18, 2026.
With the tournament set to begin on March 21, 2026, the Gophers are ready to make their mark. Dawn Plitzuweit’s achievement of leading the team to 20 wins in three consecutive seasons places her among the elite in the program’s history.
As the Gophers look to advance in the tournament, the anticipation surrounding their performance is palpable. Fans and analysts alike are hopeful for a successful run, marking a new chapter in Minnesota’s women’s basketball history.
