The Atlanta Tipoff Club has narrowed down its list of semifinalists for the 2026 Women's College Coach of the Year award to 10 teams. Geno Auriemma, who has won the award a record eight times, has not received it since the 2016-17 season. This is his best chance after leading the University of Connecticut to a perfect 34-0 record and the No. 1 overall seed in the NCAA tournament. UCLA's Cori Close, who led the team to a 31-1 record and a 96-45 win over Iowa, could also benefit from strength of schedule. The four finalists will be announced next week, with the winner being revealed before the Final Four.