Okay, so the wait’s almost over. One of the most hyped recruiting sagas for the 2026 class is finally about to end: McKenna Woliczko, a baller with some seriously wild game and even crazier tenacity, is dropping her college pick at 11 a.m. Eastern on October 1. Set your alarms, stalk her socials, whatever you gotta do.
Who’s in the running? The usual suspects, plus a curveball or two: South Carolina, Iowa, Ohio State, and Southern Cal. Word on the street says it’s Gamecocks vs. Hawkeyes at the top, but honestly, anyone claiming they know for sure is bluffing.
Woliczko Isn’t Your Average Recruit
Here’s the thing—rankings love her. She’s sitting at No. 6 in the 2026 class (shoutout On3) and No. 11 in the country per ESPN. The girl’s been grinding in the post most of her high school days, but scouts are convinced she’s got the chops to handle the perimeter in college—think stretch-four vibes, but with a bit of chaos energy.
And, yo, did you see her at the 2024 FIBA U17 World Cup? She tied Team USA’s single-game rebound record—17 boards against Japan. That’s not just “good for a high schooler.” That’s “grown-woman numbers.” Coaches rave about her off-ball movement and those sneaky-good passes. Plus, she’s flashing a jumper that could—maybe, just maybe—make her a unicorn 50-40-90 type in college. Pipe dream? We’ll see.
South Carolina’s Full-Court Press
Look, every school’s been rolling out the red carpet, but Dawn Staley? She basically threw the whole house at Woliczko. Literally. Block party at the coach’s place. Private WNBA game screening on the stadium’s jumbotron. Football coach Shane Beamer even broke down tape of McKenna’s little bro. Over the top? Maybe. Effective? Uh, yeah.
Apparently, the visit hit home. Woliczko sent Staley an actual handwritten thank-you note—like, who even does that anymore? Staley was so shook she said it was a first in 25 years of recruiting. That’s some Hallmark Channel stuff.
“Extraordinary human being! … She’s a Gamecock for all of our sake,” Staley gushed online, flashing that note for all to see.
Real subtle, Coach.
The Comeback Kid Vibe
Woliczko’s path hasn’t exactly been smooth sailing. Back in January, she blew out her ACL—that’s a nightmare for any athlete, let alone a teenager with the whole country watching. She missed the rest of her sophomore basketball season and sat out her junior softball year too. But—cue the dramatic montage—her rehab’s apparently ahead of schedule, and she even got her AAU squad all teary-eyed with a ceremonial bucket this summer. You gotta root for that.
Why South Carolina’s Got Her Attention
So, what’s pulling her toward Columbia? In her chat with On3’s Talia Goodman, Woliczko didn’t mince words: it’s all about player development and getting to the big leagues.
“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. … 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.”
Translation: If you want to be a pro, you go where the pros come from. South Carolina’s been churning out WNBA talent like it’s their side hustle.
So, What’s Next?
Now it’s all eyes on Wednesday morning. South Carolina, Iowa, Ohio State, USC—someone’s getting a program-changer. Will she pack up for the East Coast, stay out West, or try Big Ten country on for size? Either way, whoever nabs McKenna Woliczko isn’t just landing a blue-chip kid. They’re getting a leader, a grinder, and, honestly, someone who’s just tough as nails.
If you’re a Gamecock fan, you’re probably chewing your nails down to stubs right now, hoping Dawn can close the deal. Stay tuned—the drama’s just about to peak.
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