Five-star 2026 wing McKenna Woliczko hasn’t played in a game for over six months due to a torn ACL and meniscus, but she’s still one of the top recruits in her class. The 6’2″ Mitty standout holds offers from Iowa, South Carolina, Ohio State, USC, Stanford, Vanderbilt, Florida State, Notre Dame, and more.
In fact, even before stepping into the NIL world, Woliczko had brand deals. She is the first high school athlete to sign with women-focused agency Disrupt The Game, joining the likes of Lisa Leslie, Chiney Ogwumike, and Kelsey Mitchell.
With basketball opportunities and career planning on her plate, the next choice could define her trajectory, and fans are already weighing in.
McKenna Woliczko Cuts Schools to Four, Iowa Fans Push Hard as She Weighs Options
According to the latest updates from Chad Leistikow, Woliczko has completed her final official visit to Iowa and is now considering Iowa, South Carolina, USC, and Ohio State. Her family has drawn up a detailed pros-and-cons list, and, in their words, “there are no cons” to the finalists.
UPDATE (sorta) from the camp of McKenna Woliczko, the #6 overall national recruit in 2026 class from San Bruno, Calif., who has completed her final official visit (Iowa, Aug. 30, photo attached) and is mulling the Hawkeyes, South Carolina, USC and Ohio State.
No decision… pic.twitter.com/FC82uZJ3i6
— Chad Leistikow🆑 (@ChadLeistikow) September 11, 2025
Woliczko wants to commit to one school for all four years, which is why this decision has become agonizing. That update alone has unleashed a flurry of reactions from Iowa fans.
Some Iowa fans point to stability and opportunity, insisting that “there’s no better environment for women’s basketball than IOWA, Go Hawks!”
The Haweyes fandom argues that Jan Jensen taking over as head coach provides continuity and that the roster structure gives Woliczko a real chance to make an immediate impact. Another fan pushing for Iowa added, “Come to Iowa, you won’t regret it.”
Meanwhile, other fans are weighing in critically on the competition.
As another fan pointed out, “Coach McGuff’s drunk driving and Dawn flirting with the NBA. Those have to be cons, one would think.” Ohio State has drawn scrutiny due to coach Kevin McGuff’s recent legal trouble and DUI arrest.
The wrong kind of spotlight could lead to stability and PR issues. In fact, even South Carolina was met with skepticism.
Some point to former guard MiLaysia Fulwiley’s experience as a cautionary tale: enduring two years with limited minutes despite high-level talent. “If McKenna Woliczko comes to Iowa, she won’t regret it like South Carolina’s biggest star, MiLaysia Fulwiley,” one fan wrote.
Fulwiley, now transferred to LSU, averaged 11.7 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.0 assists in 18.9 minutes per game last season, nearly identical to her freshman stats of 11.7 points, 2.9 rebounds and 2.2 assists in 18.4 minutes.
ICYMI: I caught up with five-star wing McKenna Woliczko to discuss her unofficial visit to Iowa
“I really enjoyed the feel of Iowa City. The college town feel is something I’m looking for”
MORE🗒️: https://t.co/YupnSF4nQA pic.twitter.com/ldrfz0D9BG
— Kyle Huesmann (@HuesmannKyle) October 15, 2024
Yet, she started only three of 77 games in two seasons, coming off the bench behind entrenched players. Iowa fans argue Woliczko could avoid it by joining a program prioritizing immediate opportunities for elite freshmen. The Dawn Staley angle adds another layer of conversation.
Fans point out that her interview with the Knicks suggests future coaching uncertainty at South Carolina.
“Well, we know Staley interviewed for the Knicks job. Her years at SC may be numbered. USC is close to home, so she either wants to go there or she doesn’t; not much you can do about that. And OSU isn’t real competition. I think Iowa’s in a really good spot for her,” a fan commented.
Staley’s potential NBA move could shake up Woliczko’s desire for coaching consistency, making Iowa a safe and stable landing spot. Since Lisa Bluder retired, Jan Jensen has steadied the program, guiding the Hawkeyes to a 23–11 overall record and 10–8 in conference play last season.
While the next step is near, Woliczko has time. Whoever lands her will inherit a player whose talent, vision, and off-court smarts make her one of the class’s most anticipated recruits.
