The recruiting world of women’s college basketball, always a maelstrom of speculation and high stakes, has just reached a new fever pitch. At the center of this swirling excitement is McKenna Woliczko, the prodigious five-star power forward from Archbishop Mitty High in California, a player widely considered to be one of the very best, if not the best, prospect in the stacked 2026 class. The buzz reaching Columbia, South Carolina, is electric, palpable even, as Woliczko has officially narrowed her colossal list of suitors down to a coveted “Final Four,” and prominently featured among them are Dawn Staley and the South Carolina Gamecocks.
This is more than just a routine cut in a recruitment process; it’s a profound statement on Woliczko’s part, and a testament to the enduring power and appeal of the Gamecock program under Staley’s visionary leadership. For Columbia, the inclusion of South Carolina in this elite quartet of finalists signals hope, anticipation, and the very real possibility of landing another generational talent who could redefine the trajectory of the program for years to come. The other programs vying for her commitment—Iowa, Ohio State, and USC—are all powerhouse programs in their own right, making South Carolina’s position in this final grouping all the more significant.
McKenna Woliczko is not just a highly-rated recruit; she is a phenom. Standing at 6-foot-2, she possesses a rare blend of power, skill, and versatility that makes her a nightmare matchup for opponents. As a power forward, she dominates in the paint, showcasing an elite rebounding prowess that has seen her tie a USA Basketball record with 17 rebounds in a single U17 World Cup game against Japan. Yet, her game extends far beyond the traditional post. She has a polished offensive repertoire, capable of scoring with her back to the basket, but also possesses impressive playmaking abilities, off-ball movement, and a developing perimeter shot that projects her to be a “50-40-90” threat at the next level—a remarkable feat for a player of her size. Her early high school career has been nothing short of legendary, earning her MaxPreps National Freshman and Sophomore of the Year honors, and she was well on her way to contending for overall National Girls Basketball Player of the Year before tearing her ACL in January. Despite this setback, confidence remains high in her long-term potential, and reports indicate she is well ahead of schedule in her rehabilitation.
For Dawn Staley and the Gamecocks, Woliczko’s inclusion in her Final Four is a crucial development. Staley has consistently built her dynasty on a foundation of elite talent, but the landscape of women’s college basketball recruiting is more competitive than ever. While Staley has maintained an incredible level of success, rival coaches like Kim Mulkey have recently shown an increasing ability to win some high-stakes recruiting battles. Securing a commitment from Woliczko would reassert South Carolina’s dominance in the recruiting arena and provide a monumental boost to their 2026 class, which already boasts impressive commitments from talents like Agot Makeer and Ayla McDowell.
The appeal of South Carolina for a player like Woliczko is multi-faceted. First and foremost is the coaching. Dawn Staley is not just a Hall of Fame coach; she is a proven developer of WNBA talent, consistently sending her players to the professional ranks. Players see the clear pipeline from Columbia to the WNBA, as evidenced by stars like A’ja Wilson, and understand that playing under Staley provides the best preparation for a professional career. Woliczko herself echoed this sentiment, stating, “I love Dawn [Staley] and the rest of the coaching staff. 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 about1.”
Beyond individual development, the program’s consistent success is a major draw. South Carolina is a perennial national championship contender, a program that plays on the biggest stages against the best competition. The opportunity to compete for national titles year in and year out is a powerful lure for any elite athlete. Furthermore, the “family feel” and strong team culture that Staley has meticulously cultivated are widely recognized and highly attractive to recruits. Players consistently speak about the genuine relationships they build with the coaching staff and their teammates, creating an environment where they feel supported and empowered.
The atmosphere in Columbia, particularly at Colonial Life Arena, is another undeniable factor. Gamecock fans are known for their unwavering passion and sell-out crowds, providing an electrifying environment that few other programs can match. For a highly competitive athlete like Woliczko, playing in front of such a dedicated fan base would undoubtedly be an exhilarating experience.
Woliczko’s decision comes at a pivotal time for South Carolina’s recruiting. While they have landed strong classes, ensuring a consistent influx of top-tier talent is paramount to sustaining their dynastic run. The 2026 class is crucial for building the next wave of championship teams, and Woliczko, as a versatile interior and perimeter threat, would provide a crucial piece, offering both scoring and rebounding prowess. Her presence would not only elevate the class’s ranking but also serve as a magnet for other undecided elite prospects, creating a snowball effect that could solidify an already strong recruiting cycle.
The recruiting journey for McKenna Woliczko is far from over. She has already taken an official visit to Ohio State in April and unofficial visits to Iowa and USC. Her highly anticipated official visit to South Carolina is scheduled for June 30th, a date that has Gamecock Nation buzzing with anticipation. This visit will be critical, offering Staley and her staff the opportunity to make their final, compelling pitch and showcase everything Columbia and the program have to offer.
The college basketball world will be watching closely as Woliczko navigates the final stages of her recruitment. Her decision will undoubtedly send another set of ripple effects across the landscape, potentially shaping the national championship picture for years to come. For South Carolina, the hope in Columbia is that McKenna Woliczko sees the path to greatness that Dawn Staley has forged, and chooses to become the next iconic Gamecock to grace the hardwood, helping to extend the program’s golden era. The anticipation is palpable, and the dream of landing this five-star talent is very much alive.
