Quick Read
- McKenna Woliczko, ranked No. 6 nationally, committed to Iowa over South Carolina, Ohio State, and USC.
- She is the highest-rated recruit for Iowa in the post-Caitlin Clark era.
- Woliczko missed most of her junior year due to an ACL injury but is on track for full recovery.
- She excelled at Archbishop Mitty High School and represented Team USA internationally.
- Her commitment is expected to immediately impact Iowa’s lineup and recruiting future.
Hawkeyes Secure Elite Recruit: McKenna Woliczko Joins Iowa
When the dust settled on the 2026 women’s basketball recruiting wars, one name stood out above the rest: McKenna Woliczko. On October 1, 2025, Woliczko—ranked No. 6 nationally by 247Sports and ESPN—announced her commitment to the Iowa Hawkeyes, sending ripples through the college basketball landscape. For Iowa, this is more than just a big signing; it’s a signal that the program is building its future on a foundation of elite talent, even as the Caitlin Clark era recedes into history.
Woliczko, a 6-foot-2 forward from San Bruno, California, chose Iowa over traditional powerhouses South Carolina, Ohio State, and USC. The competition was fierce, but in the end, the culture and relationships in Iowa City won her over. Her official visit was decisive: she attended a Hawkeye football game, mingled with the team, and felt the pulse of the city. It wasn’t flash or fanfare that sealed the deal—it was genuine connection.
From California Stardom to Iowa City: Woliczko’s Journey
Woliczko’s journey to Iowa is rooted in years of hard work and resilience. Her basketball story began at Archbishop Mitty High School in San Jose, where she rapidly emerged as one of the top prospects in the country. She led Mitty to a Nike TOC Championship in Phoenix, and her stats speak for themselves: as a freshman, she averaged 20.2 points and 10.3 rebounds; as a sophomore, those numbers jumped to 22 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 blocks per game.
But her path wasn’t without setbacks. Early in her junior year, an ACL tear cut her season short, keeping her off the court for both high school and summer club play. The injury could have derailed a lesser athlete, but Woliczko leaned on advice from coaches and the support of family, friends, and medical professionals. She drew inspiration from WNBA stars who had faced similar obstacles and come back stronger. “That’s just something that kind of stuck with me,” she told ESPN. “All those people have done it, and they came back better than ever.”
Her rehabilitation, marked by steady progress and relentless determination, became another chapter in her story—a testament to her character and drive. The nine-month mark post-surgery is approaching, and all signs point to a full recovery.
Elite Skillset: Why Woliczko Changes the Game for Iowa
What makes Woliczko such a coveted prospect? According to Brandon Clay, Director of Scouting at 247Sports, “Woliczko is one of the best rebounders nationally in her class. Her motor does not stop on either end of the court. She’s an ideal piece on a roster built to win a championship.”
Her game is defined by relentless energy and an instinctive knack for the ball. Woliczko excels around the rim, cleaning up missed shots with offensive rebounds and putbacks, and she’s versatile enough to guard multiple positions. Her defensive ability, combined with improvements in attacking the basket off the dribble, gives Iowa a weapon in both transition and half-court sets.
International experience has further honed her skills. Woliczko represented Team USA at both the 2023 FIBA Americas U16 Championship and the 2024 FIBA U17 World Cup, earning All-Star Five honors at each event and helping secure gold medals. These performances against elite global competition signal that her game is not just college-ready—it’s built for big moments.
Woliczko’s commitment comes at a crucial juncture for Iowa. With Hannah Stuelke graduating, she is expected to step immediately into the starting power forward role. Iowa’s pitch included the possibility of playing the 3 as well, giving coach Jan Jensen flexibility to experiment with lineups and maximize Woliczko’s impact. Her arrival, alongside talented underclassmen like Addie Deal, Ava Heiden, Layla Hays, and Journey Houston, sets the stage for a dynamic, competitive roster.
Culture, Relationships, and the Hawkeye Blueprint
For Woliczko, the decision was as much about people as it was about basketball. “So my top thing for Iowa is their culture. Kind of the same thing, like relationships,” she explained in an interview with On Target with EJay Arrow. “I’ve been able to gain such great relationships with not only the coaches on staff, but the girls.”
She felt the team’s chemistry and appreciated the ability to have both casual and deep conversations with coaches. The program’s approach—genuine, supportive, and focused on holistic development—stood out from the rest. Even the city of San Bruno and her AAU teammates played a role in shaping her as a player and person. “It truly takes a village,” she wrote in her commitment announcement, expressing gratitude to everyone who helped her reach this milestone.
It’s clear that Iowa’s recruiting strategy isn’t just about landing stars; it’s about building a community that nurtures talent and encourages growth. This philosophy, especially in the wake of Clark’s historic run, positions Iowa as a destination for top-tier recruits looking for more than just basketball success.
Implications for Iowa and Women’s College Basketball
Woliczko’s commitment is a game-changer. She is the highest-ranked recruit of the post-Clark era, and her arrival helps cement Iowa’s status as a “blue-blood” in women’s college basketball. The signing could open the floodgates for future top recruits, as Iowa’s culture and recent success continue to attract national attention.
The Hawkeyes are still in the mix for other elite prospects, such as five-star Addison Bjorn and four-star Amari Byles, and fan interest remains at an all-time high. For coach Jan Jensen, Woliczko’s decision is both a validation and a challenge: keep building, keep winning, and keep making Iowa City a destination for the next generation of stars.
As Woliczko prepares for her collegiate journey, she stands as a symbol of resilience, ambition, and the power of relationships. Her story is not just about one player’s choice—it’s about a program’s vision and the evolving landscape of women’s basketball.
McKenna Woliczko’s arrival in Iowa City is more than a top recruit joining a storied program; it’s a signpost for the future of women’s basketball at Iowa—a future where culture, connection, and elite talent converge to redefine what’s possible.