Dawn Staley and the South Carolina Gamecocks are once again in the national recruiting spotlight, landing a spot among the final four programs vying for one of the top prospects in the Class of 2026.
Five-star wing McKenna Woliczko, ranked No. 6 overall by espnW, announced Thursday that she’s narrowed her college decision to South Carolina, Iowa, Southern Cal, and Ohio State. The elite 6-foot-2 recruit hails from California, where she stars at Archbishop Mitty High School in San Jose — a powerhouse program known for producing high-level talent.
Despite a junior season shortened by a torn ACL in January, Woliczko’s impact on the court was undeniable. Before her injury, she averaged an impressive 22.1 points and 7.3 rebounds per game, while shooting a staggering 64% from the field — a testament to both her efficiency and dominance as a two-way threat.
The Gamecocks’ appearance on her final list comes as a pleasant surprise to many, especially given the fierce national competition and Woliczko’s West Coast roots. But with Dawn Staley’s continued success on the court and on the recruiting trail — including a national title and a reputation for developing WNBA-ready talent — South Carolina remains an increasingly attractive destination for the nation’s best.
Woliczko has not yet announced a timeline for her final decision, but all eyes will be on this high-stakes recruiting battle as it unfolds. If the Gamecocks manage to land her, it would mark yet another major recruiting win for Staley and a significant addition to South Carolina’s future championship aspirations.
