McKenna Woliczko stands out as one of the most electrifying young talents in girls’ basketball today. A five-star recruit in the Class of 2026, this 6‑foot‑2 forward from Archbishop Mitty High School in San Jose, California, has taken both the prep and international basketball scenes by storm. Her combination of athleticism, skill, and fierce competitiveness has made her a top prospect, and one of her final four schools is none other than Dawn Staley’s South Carolina Gamecocks.
As a freshman, Woliczko averaged approximately 20 points and 10 rebounds per game, earning MaxPreps National Freshman of the Year honors and becoming the first freshman to win San Francisco Chronicle Player of the Year
Sophomore year saw her build on that foundation—averaging 22.2 PPG, 8.4 RPG, and 2.1 BPG, shooting an efficient ~65–70% from the field and about 40% from three, leading Mitty to a 30‑1 record and a State Open Division finals appearance
Repeating as San Francisco Chronicle Player of the Year as a sophomore highlighted her consistency .
Ranked 5th nationally (ESPN) and named one of the top wings in the class
A preseason All-American and top‑25 national Player of the Year candidate
Woliczko has shined internationally too, earning gold medals with USA Basketball at the U16 FIBA Americas Championship (All-Star Five) and U17 FIBA World Cup (All-Star Five), averaging near double-doubles in both tournaments
Athleticism & Motor: Fast transition play, high energy, relentless rebounder (“her motor does not stop” per 247Sports)Skill Set: Effective mid-range and expanding 3-point shot, strong finishing around the rim, and versatile on both ends (“uses the glass like an old-school forward”)Basketball IQ: Good off-ball movement, reads slips and cuts, strong court awareness .Mindset & Growth: Driven, affirmative approach (“I want to be the best…”), excels under pressure; coach Sue Phillips praises her “elite” mentality .
McKenna’s elite status is reflected in her top 10 schools: South Carolina, USC, Stanford, Ohio State, Vanderbilt, North Carolina, Notre Dame, Florida State, Texas, and Iowa
Offered by Dawn Staley after attending state playoffs as a freshman Unofficial visit in summer 2023 and she’s remained engaged—echoing support for the Gamecocks after their NCAA Championship win Staley clearly values her potential:Stanford: Stands out for proximity, academics, and basketball historyUSC and North Carolina: High-level programs, though further, factoring into her deliberation
In January 2025, tragedy struck when McKenna suffered a torn ACL during the Sabrina Ionescu Showcase, ending her junior season in both basketball and softball Now, she’s focused on rehabilitation, determined to return stronger than ever.
Aside from her on-court dominance, McKenna is known for her maturity and mental strength. She acknowledges pre-game anxiety, but her affirmations, coaching support, and team environment help her rise above challenges .
Proven Culture: Staley’s program blends elite performance with player development—evident in their complete NCAA campaigns and player growth.Program Success: South Carolina’s recent undefeated championship and stockpile of international players (like Chloe Kitts) signal that McKenna would thrive in a championship-caliber environment Fit & Relationship: McKenna’s existing rapport with Staley, and her public support, underscore mutual interest and alignment.
McKenna is expected to take official visits in spring of 2025 as she completes her recovery. Her criteria are clear: programs that offer elite coaching, high-level competition, WNBA/FMNT USA exposure, and strong academics .
McKenna Woliczko is a generational talent: a dominant prep and international star, academically focused, competitively ferocious, and emotionally grounded. Her inclusion in Dawn Staley’s final four underscores the Gamecocks’ recognition of her rare skill set and potential. While Stanford offers comfort and local familiarity, South Carolina offers an elite environment that aligns with McKenna’s championship aspirations.
Rehabilitation: ACL recovery and gradual return to full form.Official Visits: Scheduled spring ’25 trip to South Carolina, Stanford, UNC, and others.Final Decision: Likely summer/fall 2025, ahead of the Class of 2026 signing window.Collegiate Debut: Assuming recovery stays on track, McKenna could make an immediate impact at whichever Power 5 program she selects.
McKenna Woliczko is more than a basketball phenom—she’s a complete athlete and competitor, driven by purpose and poised for excellence. Her candidacy for South Carolina is compelling, merging individual talent with a championship mindset fostered by Dawn Staley. But whether she chooses the home-turf comforts of Stanford or the national spotlight of Columbia, one thing’s certain: watching her collegiate journey unfold will be must-see basketball.
Let me know if you’d like a scouting breakdown of her fit at each school or an update on her rehab progress!
