Notre Dame Academy opens the first Kentucky High School Girls Soccer Coaches Association poll of 2026 ranked No. 3 in the state, setting up a marquee Saturday showdown against No. 1 Central Hardin in Elizabethtown.

The Pandas (5-1) earned their lofty placement on the strength of wins over three ranked opponents: No. 2 Sacred Heart, No. 4 South Oldham and No. 17 Ryle. Notre Dame's season-opening 2-1 victory over Sacred Heart, which was ranked No. 1 in the state at the time, announced the Park Hills program as a legitimate title contender. Their lone loss came against Carmel of Indiana on Aug. 22.

The coaches poll, released Tuesday, is typically published biweekly throughout the season.

Saturday's trip to Elizabethtown pits the state's No. 3 against No. 1 in what amounts to an early-season measuring stick for both programs. Coach Cory Dan's squad still has dates with No. 7 Bishop Brossart on Sept. 9 and Highlands on Sept. 12 remaining on a gauntlet schedule that includes five top-11 opponents.

Four more NKY teams ranked

Bishop Brossart checks in at No. 7 with a 2-1-1 record. The Lady 'Stangs own a win over No. 6 Paul Laurence Dunbar and played No. 10 Lexington Catholic to a draw. Their loss came against No. 15 Highlands. Brossart hosts No. 21 Simon Kenton on Wednesday at the MAC.

Highlands lands at No. 15 despite a 1-3 start. After beating Brossart in the opener, the Bluebirds dropped three straight to Anderson (Ohio), Ryle and Sacred Heart. They travel to Summit Country Day on Thursday.

Ryle is the early-season surprise at No. 17 after finishing 9-11-1 in 2025. The Raiders have already knocked off Highlands and lost by a single goal to both Notre Dame and Sacred Heart. They open district play Wednesday at home against Conner.

Simon Kenton rounds out the NKY contingent at No. 21 with a 1-1-1 mark. Their tie against No. 19 North Oldham was suspended due to weather. The Pioneers face Brossart on Wednesday.

This week's schedule

  • Wednesday, Aug. 26: Bishop Brossart vs. Simon Kenton at the MAC; Ryle vs. Conner (home, district play)
  • Thursday, Aug. 27: Highlands at Summit Country Day
  • Saturday, Aug. 29: Notre Dame at No. 1 Central Hardin, Elizabethtown