The stage is set for the 2026 NCAA Division I Women's Golf Championship, and with it comes the excitement of crowning the season's best player. After NCAA Regionals wrapped up on Wednesday, the championship field is now official, heading to Omni La Costa's North Course in Carlsbad, California, from May 22-27. But before the final putt drops, there's another major honor on the line: the Annika Award presented by Stifel.

This prestigious award, named after golf legend Annika Sörenstam, celebrates the Player of the Year in women's college golf. The winner is chosen by a unique blend of voices—college golfers, coaches, and members of the college golf media. But first, a panel of experts from Golfweek and the Golf Channel has narrowed the field to 10 outstanding finalists. Let's meet them, listed alphabetically, and see what they've accomplished this season.

Standout Performers on the Course

These players have dominated the fairways and greens all year, each bringing a unique blend of skill and consistency. Here's a quick look at their win totals and key victories:

One finalist has already claimed two wins, including the prestigious SEC Championship and the Gators Invitational. Another has been nearly unstoppable with four victories, taking titles at the Golfweek Red Sky, Dr. Donnis Thompson, Chevron Silverado, and the Big 10 Championship. A third standout has two wins on her resume, highlighted by the ACC Championship and the Bruin Wave Invitational.

Then there's the player who has racked up three impressive wins at the Therese Hession Regional Challenge, the Darius Rucker Intercollegiate, and the Betsy Rawls Invitational. And don't overlook the golfer with two victories, including a regional title at the NCAA Stanford Regional and a win at the Arizona Thunderbird.

These are just a few of the incredible talents vying for the top honor. The full list of finalists represents the best of women's college golf, and the voting is now open to eligible participants. If you're a college golfer, coach, or member of the college golf media, you can cast your vote at haskinsfoundation.org.

As we gear up for the championship, one thing is clear: this year's Annika Award race is as competitive as ever. Whether you're a fan of the game or just love a great underdog story, keep an eye on these finalists—they're the future stars of golf, and they're playing for the ultimate collegiate prize.