McKenna Woliczko Commitment Strengthens Iowa Women’s Basketball Recruitment

McKenna Woliczko has officially committed to the Iowa women’s basketball team, marking a significant achievement for head coach Jan Jensen. The 6-foot-2 forward is currently recognized as the No. 6 overall prospect in the 2026 class by both 247Sports Composite and ESPN. Woliczko made her decision on October 1, 2024, after an intense recruitment period where Iowa faced stiff competition from schools like South Carolina, USC, and Ohio State.

Recruitment Journey

The commitment follows Woliczko’s last official visit to Iowa City on August 30, where the Hawkeyes presented their final pitch. Her recruitment was particularly notable given her previous visit to South Carolina in June, highlighting the significance of Iowa’s victory in securing her commitment.

Player Profile

Woliczko brings exceptional skills to the Hawkeyes, offering offensive consistency and defensive reliability across various positions. She has demonstrated a relentless work ethic, making her a standout player in both the AAU circuit with Team Kidd and at Archbishop Mitty High School in San Jose, California. Her accolades include gold medals at the 2023 FIBA Americas U16 Championship and the 2024 FIBA U17 World Cup, further showcasing her talent.

• Height: 6’2″
• Overall Ranking: No. 6 in the 2026 class
• Signature Skills: Offensive consistency, defensive versatility, high motor
• Achievements:
  • Gold medal at 2023 FIBA Americas U16 Championship
  • Gold medal at 2024 FIBA U17 World Cup

Impact on Iowa Women’s Basketball

Woliczko’s commitment is crucial for Iowa, making her the highest-ranked recruit for the program since Caitlin Clark, who was ranked No. 4 overall in the 2020 class. This recruitment win is a clear signal that Iowa aims to remain a formidable force in women’s basketball.

With Woliczko joining the team, the Hawkeyes have an exciting opportunity ahead. The current roster will see changes as starting forward Hannah Stuelke prepares to graduate after the upcoming season. Jensen is poised for her second year, and the growing young core, along with Woliczko, sets the stage for continued success.

Future Prospects

The implications of Woliczko’s decision extend to Iowa’s broader recruiting strategy for the 2026 class. The Hawkeyes are in discussions with other top prospects, including:

• Vienna Murray
• Addison Bjorn (No. 9 overall)
• Jenica Lewis (No. 22)
• Amari Byles (No. 18)

Iowa could realistically secure several more commitments alongside Woliczko, enhancing their recruiting class significantly. Her decision may serve as a catalyst for attracting additional elite talent, further solidifying Iowa’s position in women’s collegiate basketball.