The Intercollegiate Women’s Lacrosse Coaches Association (IWLCA) has announced the Class of 2026 inductees for the IWLCA Hall of Fame, honoring two of the sport’s most influential and accomplished leaders: Gary Gait, former head women’s lacrosse coach at Syracuse University, and Amanda O’Leary, head coach at the University of Florida.
The induction ceremony will take place in November 2026 in conjunction with the IWLCA Convention which is set to be held at the Tradewinds Resort in St. Pete Beach, Florida.
"The Hall of Fame Committee did a great job selecting the 2026 Hall of Fame induction class,” said Kelly Gallagher, IWLCA President and head coach at the University of Tampa. “Gary Gait and Amanda O’Leary both have put together exceptional resumes with numerous accolades, so this honor is well deserved for both. We are excited to welcome them at next year’s Convention so we can celebrate their success as we recognize them with our association’s most prestigious coaching honor.”
The IWLCA Hall of Fame committee, chaired by Karen Henning, head coach at Colby College, oversees the annual selection process recognizing collegiate women’s lacrosse coaches whose careers represent the highest levels of achievement and impact. Established in 2017, the IWLCA Hall of Fame will welcome its ninth class of inductees in 2026.
2026 IWLCA Hall of Fame Inductees
Gary Gait – Syracuse University
Gait’s coaching legacy is marked by extraordinary success and long-standing national prominence. As a member of the Maryland coaching staff, Gait contributed to seven NCAA Championships, and he later transformed Syracuse into one of the nation’s most consistently elite programs. Under his direction, Syracuse reached three NCAA Championship games, including in 2021, his final season in the women’s game. Every class that played under Gait advanced to at least one NCAA Final Four, highlighted by championship game appearances in 2012, 2014, and 2021. Gait also mentored some of the sport’s most decorated athletes, including Tewaaraton Award finalists Katie Rowan, Michelle Tumolo, Alyssa Murray, and Kayla Treanor.
Gait concluded his women’s coaching career with an outstanding 214–75 record (.740), along with four conference Coach of the Year honors, four IWLCA Regional Coach of the Year awards, 14 NCAA semifinal appearances, and participation in 19 NCAA Tournaments.
Reflecting on his selection, Gait shared:
“I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to the IWLCA for this incredible honor. Over the past 25 years, coaching exceptional women who play this cherished game has been a true joy. I take immense pride in joining a distinguished group of coaches who have played a pivotal role in the growth of women’s lacrosse and created countless opportunities for young women to engage in the sport. I would also like to thank Cindy Timchal, along with all the coaches and players, for making my coaching journey a truly remarkable experience.”
Amanda O’Leary – University of Florida
O’Leary has built one of the premier programs in collegiate women’s lacrosse. Now in her 16th season at the University of Florida, O’Leary founded the Gators program in 2010 and has led it to three NCAA Final Fours, nine NCAA quarterfinal appearances, and 14 NCAA Tournament berths. Throughout her tenure, Florida has achieved championship success across multiple conferences—including the Big 12, AAC, BIG EAST, and American Lacrosse Conference—capturing numerous regular-season and tournament titles that reflect the program’s sustained national standing and competitive excellence.
O’Leary’s overall career record of 422–128 (.767) places her third among active head coaches in total victories. Prior to her time at Florida, she guided Yale for 14 seasons, where the Bulldogs recorded three 14-win campaigns (1995, 1999, 2003), earned two NCAA Championship appearances, and claimed a share of the 2003 Ivy League title.
Her accomplishments extend beyond coaching success: O’Leary won an NCAA Championship as a player at Temple (1988) and another as an assistant coach at Maryland (1992). She is a proud member of both the USA Lacrosse Hall of Fame and the Temple University Hall of Fame.
Upon being notified of her induction, O’Leary reflected:
“I have been fortunate to spend my life in a sport that teaches resilience, connection, and the power of believing in one another. To be celebrated by an organization I respect so much is truly humbling. Thank you for this incredible honor, and for allowing me to be part of a game—and a family—that has shaped my life in the most meaningful ways.”
Details regarding the 2026 IWLCA Awards Banquet and Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will be released in the summer of 2026.