Dawn Staley, Gamecocks Among Finalists for 5-Star Wing McKenna Woliczko
Dawn Staley and the South Carolina Gamecocks are firmly in the mix for one of the nation’s top high school basketball prospects. McKenna Woliczko, a five-star wing from California, announced Thursday that she has narrowed her college choices to a final four: South Carolina, Iowa, Southern Cal, and Ohio State.
Woliczko, ranked No. 6 in the Class of 2026 by espnW’s Top 100, plays for Archbishop Mitty in San Jose, California. Standing at 6-foot-2, she made waves during her sophomore season, averaging 22.1 points, 7.3 rebounds, and shooting an impressive 64.0% from the field. Unfortunately, her junior season was cut short by a torn ACL sustained in January, though her recruitment has continued to accelerate.
The elite prospect has an official visit scheduled with South Carolina on June 30, and has already visited Ohio State, with a future trip to Iowa planned for August, according to On3.
In a recent interview with Talia Goodman of On3, Woliczko praised what South Carolina offers in terms of both development and exposure.
“I love Dawn (Staley) and the rest of the coaching staff,” Woliczko said. “I think that South Carolina is, when you’re looking to get to that next level, like the WNBA, South Carolina will help you get there. So I think that’s really cool to think about. They’re just recruiting the best of the best, so then you’re able to play with top players in the country, and that’s what it’s going to be like playing in the pros. I think it’d be cool to figure that out at the college level, instead of being pushed right into that at the pro level.”
Woliczko is no stranger to big stages. She’s a two-time gold medalist with Team USA, further showcasing her ability to compete at the highest level.
According to Brandon Clay, Director of Women’s Basketball Scouting at 247Sports, Woliczko is a game-changer.
“She’s one of the best rebounders nationally in her class,” Clay wrote in his scouting report. “Her motor does not stop on either end of the court. Woliczko is an ideal piece on a roster built to win a championship. She brings elite-level energy every time she steps on the floor.”
As South Carolina continues to dominate on the recruiting trail, adding a high-motor, high-IQ talent like Woliczko would be a major boost. With her decision looming, all eyes will be on her official visit to Columbia later this month.
