McKenna Woliczko Details Eye-Opening South Carolina Visit: “It Definitely Gave Me Confidence”
Five-star forward McKenna Woliczko, one of the top players in the Class of 2026, recently wrapped up an official visit to South Carolina, giving high praise to Dawn Staley and the Gamecock program. Ranked No. 6 in the country by espnW, the 6-foot-2 standout from Archbishop Mitty High School in San Jose, California, is down to four finalists: South Carolina, Iowa, Ohio State, and USC.
Her trip to Columbia (July 1–3) left a strong impression — both on and off the court.
“I think that I’m really happy that I was able to go out there and check it out,” Woliczko told The State. “I’ve gone on visits where you visit the area and you’re just like, ‘No, this isn’t going to work for me.’ So I was happy to get that feel with Columbia, that I could live here.”
Getting the “Real” Columbia Experience
Unlike some programs that focus on glitz, South Carolina’s visit felt grounded. Woliczko, joined by her parents, enjoyed everything from watching a WNBA game on the Williams-Brice Stadium jumbotron, to a block party with the volleyball team at Staley’s house, to grabbing Waffle House in Five Points after a morning walk with Staley.
“It wasn’t like they’re going to all these fancy steakhouses every single night,” Woliczko said. “It was just like the real what it’s gonna look like if I were to go to South Carolina.”
Special Touch: Shane Beamer Breaks Down Her Brother’s Film
Coach Shane Beamer joined the visit, adding a personal touch for Woliczko’s younger brother, Patrick, who plays youth football. The family visited South Carolina’s football facility, where Beamer played highlights of Patrick’s games.
“They were saying they were going to recruit him — it was pretty funny,” Woliczko said. “When he’s able to come on the visits, he likes to learn about the football programs.”
Connection with Dawn Staley: “She’s Just Real”
Woliczko’s relationship with Staley goes back to her freshman year. While they’ve communicated over time, being with Staley in person helped her see the Hall of Fame coach in a new light.
“It’s really nice to see her not as just like a celebrity and her being this all-time coach,” Woliczko said. “It’s nice to see you as a person, in person.”
Staley’s pitch? Woliczko has the skill set to earn playing time at South Carolina — even as a freshman.
“They were saying… I wouldn’t be here if they didn’t think I could play at South Carolina,” she said. “The fact that (Staley) said I had the opportunity to play as a freshman… definitely gave me more confidence.”
Recruiting Timeline & What’s Next
With visits to Ohio State and now South Carolina complete, Woliczko has two more stops planned, including a late-August trip to Iowa. She’s aiming to commit by September.
As for where the Gamecocks stand?
“It’s hard to say,” she admitted. “This visit definitely made it more confusing… these are really great schools. Not one answer is going to be a wrong answer.”
Still, South Carolina left its mark.
“Once I hung out with the girls a ton… and talked to (Staley) about things basketball-wise… it was definitely just an eye opener,” she said. “South Carolina is, for sure, a consideration.”
Final Take
Woliczko’s South Carolina visit was more than just another stop — it was a chance to envision life as a Gamecock. And judging by her glowing remarks, Dawn Staley and her program made a powerful case.
