Dawn Staley and the South Carolina women's basketball team are back in the mix for another elite recruit. Five-star wing McKenna Woliczko, one of the most coveted prospects for the Class of 2026, announced her final four schools on Thursday. In the mix was South Carolina, Iowa, Southern Cal, and Ohio State.
Woliczko is ranked No. 6 overall in the nation by espnW's 2026 Top 100. She is widely regarded as one of the most complete and competitive wings in the country. Playing for the powerhouse that is Archbishop Mitty in San Jose, CA, her junior year was unfortunately cut short due to an ACL tear in January. However, the 6-foot-2 star's sophomore numbers speak for themselves. Woliczko averaged 22.1 points and 7.3 rebounds per game, while shooting a crazy 64% from the floor.
Even amid her recover, major programs across the country are battling for her commitment, and South Carolina is right in the thick of it.
Dawn Staley has built a dynasty in Columbia by recruiting versatile players who can thrive on both ends of the court, and Woliczko fits the mold. She is a play-smart, efficient scorer with the length to defend multiple positions, and her toughness could be an early contribution to the team. Her interest in the Gamecocks also speaks volumes about what Staley is continuing to build. The Gamecocks have landed a top-five recruiting class year after year, and adding Woliczko would only strengthen the program's grip as the standard in women's college basketball.