Dawn Staley Draws Knicks Interest, Adds Key Transfers, and Hosts Top 2026 Prospect
While South Carolina didn’t repeat as national champions, head coach Dawn Staley still found herself in the spotlight — this time linked to the New York Knicks’ vacant head coaching role. Following the team’s decision to part ways with Tom Thibodeau, the Knicks reportedly interviewed Staley last week as part of their search for a new leader.
Despite the NBA buzz, Staley remains firmly focused on building for another championship run in Columbia. After losing several key players to the WNBA Draft and the transfer portal, Staley has reloaded her roster with significant additions — including the nation’s top scorer, guard Ta’Niya Latson, and dominant center Madina Okot, both acquired via the portal.
A Cryptic Tweet Sparks Recruiting Buzz
On Tuesday night, while watching former Gamecock star Aaliyah Boston compete in the WNBA Commissioner’s Cup for the Indiana Fever against the Minnesota Lynx, Staley stirred up excitement on social media with a mysterious tweet:
“Just me and Willy B checking out @GamecockWBB @fIaa_boston in this @WNBA Commissioner Cup Championship game… go get your things AB!! (oh and hoping a birdie flies in the nest,” she posted.
The cryptic “birdie” reference sparked speculation about a possible new recruit headed to the Gamecocks.
Gamecocks to Host Five-Star Forward McKenna Woliczko
On the recruiting front, Staley is set to host McKenna Woliczko, the No. 6 overall prospect in the Class of 2026, for a visit this Thursday. The five-star forward, according to On3, has narrowed her choices to four elite programs: South Carolina, Ohio State, Iowa, and USC.
In an interview with On3, Woliczko had high praise for Staley and the Gamecocks:
“Anyone can see they’re a legendary program,” she said. “If you want to be ready for the next level, that is where you go. I love Dawn (Staley) and the rest of the coaching staff.”
She added,
“South Carolina will help you get there [to the WNBA]. They’re just recruiting the best of the best… 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 also emphasized her current focus: recovering fully from her ACL injury and enjoying her senior year without the added pressure of recruitment.
Another Elite Visitor
Woliczko becomes the second elite 2026 prospect to make a stop in Columbia. In May, the No. 1-ranked player in the class, Saniyah Hall, also took an official visit to South Carolina, signaling Staley’s continued dominance in high-level recruiting.
While NBA rumors may come and go, it’s clear Dawn Staley’s heart remains with the Gamecocks — and the future of her program is looking brighter than ever.
