McKenna Woliczko, a five-star forward and one of the top-ranked prospects in the 2026 women’s basketball class, visited South Carolina from July 1 to July 3. The trip, closely watched due to the Gamecocks’ national stature and head coach Dawn Staley’s recruiting record, featured an unexpected moment when SEC football coach Shane Beamer greeted Woliczko alongside Staley.
South Carolina Pulls Out All the Stops for McKenna Woliczko’s Official Visit
McKenna Woliczko, one of the top-ranked players in the 2026 recruiting class, took her official visit to South Carolina from July 1 to July 3. The Gamecocks, led by Staley, the Hall of Fame coach, Staley, made a strong impression on the five-star forward.
A significant highlight of the visit came when Shane Beamer, South Carolina’s football coach, joined Staley to welcome Woliczko and her family. Beamer spent time with the group, a gesture Woliczko’s father, Aaron, called “just EXTRA” on social media.
👀
The entire trip with @GamecockWBB & @dawnstaley was special for @McKennaDub! BUT to have an @SEC head football coach share his time (before heading to family vacation) & breakdown video of Patrick…well, that’s just EXTRA! Thanks @CoachSBeamer & @GamecockFB 🤙 pic.twitter.com/ec5JZvvzHx— Aaron Woliczko (@AWoliczko) July 3, 2025
During her South Carolina visit, Woliczko played a lively game of UNO with Staley and the coaching staff, adding a fun, personal touch to the highly anticipated recruiting trip.
They’re playing JUMBO UNO down in Columbia! 😭
Looks like Dawn Staley & the Gamecocks had a time hosting #6 recruit in the nation [2026] McKenna Woliczko (@McKennaDub). pic.twitter.com/1ZlblUcc13
— E J 🏀 (@EJayArrow) July 2, 2025
Staley, known for her elite recruiting and championship-level success, has positioned South Carolina as one of Woliczko’s final four options. In June, the Gamecocks were named among her top choices alongside Iowa, USC, and Ohio State.
“I love Dawn (Staley) and the rest of the coaching staff,” Woliczko told On3. “When you’re looking to get to that next level, like the WNBA, South Carolina will help you get there. They’re just recruiting the best of the best, so then you’re able to play with top players in the country.”
Woliczko, a 6-foot-2 standout from Archbishop Mitty High School in San Jose, California, has been one of the most dominant players in her class. In her freshman and sophomore seasons, she was named the National Player of the Year for the Class of 2026, leading the Northern California powerhouse.
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Before a torn ACL in January, she averaged 22.5 points, 7.7 rebounds, 2.5 steals, and 1.8 blocks through nine games while shooting 64.6 percent. She also helped Team USA win gold medals at the U16 and U17 levels, earning all-tournament honors both years.
Rated No. 6 overall by ESPN’s HoopGurlz, Woliczko is the No. 2 power forward and the second-ranked player in California, according to the 247Sports Composite. MaxPreps listed her 2023–24 averages at 22.1 points and 8.4 rebounds per game.
South Carolina’s recent dominance under Staley includes three NCAA titles (2017, 2022, 2024), nine SEC Tournament wins, and 18 WNBA draft picks, including two No. 1 overall selections. The Gamecocks went 35–4 and reached another national championship game in 2024, and remain a leading destination for elite recruits like Woliczko.