🏀 “Battle for a Future Superstar: Five-Star Power Forward McKenna Woliczko Includes Dawn Staley’s South Carolina Gamecocks in Final Four — Columbia Buzzes with Hope as Nation’s Top Programs Vie for the Elite 2026 Prospect”
COLUMBIA, SC — June 26, 2025
The recruitment race for one of the most coveted talents in the class of 2026 is officially heating up — and the South Carolina Gamecocks, under the legendary leadership of Coach Dawn Staley, are still firmly in the hunt.
McKenna Woliczko, the 6-foot-2 five-star power forward from San Jose, California, has revealed her final four schools, and Gamecock Nation has plenty of reason to celebrate — South Carolina made the cut.
Joining the Gamecocks in Woliczko’s elite shortlist are three other heavyweights: Stanford, UConn, and LSU. Each of these programs has made its mark in women’s college basketball history, but Woliczko’s inclusion of South Carolina speaks volumes about the trust and respect she holds for Coach Staley’s vision.
Who Is McKenna Woliczko?
Only a rising senior in high school, McKenna Woliczko is already being heralded as a generational talent. With an electric combination of size, agility, and court awareness, she dominates both ends of the floor. Her footwork in the paint, along with a soft shooting touch and a strong rebounding instinct, has drawn comparisons to legends like Breanna Stewart and A’ja Wilson.
Woliczko has averaged over 20 points and 12 rebounds per game for Mitty High School in San Jose. She was a standout at the 2025 USA Basketball Junior National Team minicamp, where scouts from every major NCAA program took notice. ESPNW currently ranks her as the No. 3 overall prospect in the class of 2026, and the No. 1 power forward.
But Woliczko isn’t just known for her stats. Coaches rave about her work ethic, basketball IQ, and unselfishness — traits that perfectly align with the South Carolina program’s culture under Coach Staley.
Dawn Staley’s Influence: A Recruiting Magnet
For South Carolina, the inclusion in McKenna’s final four isn’t just a recruiting win — it’s a testament to the enduring greatness of Dawn Staley, one of the most influential and successful coaches in the game.
Staley has consistently produced WNBA-ready talent and national championship-caliber teams, with a reputation for empowering young women on and off the court. Her leadership has helped send Gamecock stars like Aliyah Boston, Zia Cooke, and A’ja Wilson to the pros — and built a legacy of winning with character.
Sources close to Woliczko say Staley’s authenticity and player-first philosophy left a strong impression on both McKenna and her family.
> “Coach Staley’s been honest, real, and passionate,” said one source. “McKenna feels she’d be developed as a player and as a person in Columbia.”
The Competition: Titans of the Game
Woliczko’s other finalists are no slouches.
Stanford, led by Hall of Famer Tara VanDerveer, offers elite academics and West Coast proximity.
UConn, with Geno Auriemma at the helm, brings a rich dynasty with 11 national titles and a fast-paced system that showcases versatile forwards.
LSU, coached by Kim Mulkey, is riding high after its recent national championship, flashy NIL opportunities, and celebrity-level campus energy.
But South Carolina stands tall as a program built on culture, grit, and winning traditions — something Woliczko values deeply.
What Comes Next?
Woliczko plans to visit all four programs this fall before making her final decision in early 2026. She’ll attend official games, tour athletic facilities, and connect with current players to get a true feel for each campus.
Her final decision is expected to be announced live on ESPNW in January 2026, making it one of the most anticipated commitments of the cycle.
In the meantime, Coach Staley and her staff are reportedly putting everything into this recruitment — emphasizing how Woliczko could follow in the footsteps of Gamecock greats and make her own mark on the SEC.
South Carolina’s Hopes Are High
The buzz around Colonial Life Arena is palpable. Fans, players, and alumni are already rallying online, using the hashtag #McKennaToSC and sharing highlights of Gamecock legends who came before her.
If South Carolina lands Woliczko, it could not only solidify their top recruiting class for 2026 but also tip the balance of national power back in their favor in the post-Aliyah Boston era.
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As the countdown to her decision begins, one thing is clear: McKenna Woliczko isn’t just choosing a school — she’s choosing a stage to launch her legacy. And if that stage ends up being in Columbia, the Gamecocks may soon welcome the next face of their storied program.
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