For months, fans of women’s college basketball speculated where California standout McKenna Woliczko would commit. This week, the wait ended when she posted her decision on Instagram: Iowa lands top recruit in the class of 2026.
The University of Iowa women’s basketball program, already one of the most exciting destinations in the NCAA, gained a significant boost when Woliczko, ranked No. 6 overall in her class by 247Sports, chose the Hawkeyes over heavyweights like South Carolina, USC, and Ohio State. At 6-foot-2, she’s not only one of the most versatile forwards in the nation but also a potential game-changer for Iowa’s post-Caitlin Clark era.
Why Iowa Lands Top Recruit Ahead of Powerhouse Programs
When asked about her decision, Woliczko explained that the “people and the college experience” were the deciding factors. “What pushed Iowa over the top for me were all the great people and the college experience from the fans to the student body to the alumni,” she said.
Her statement captures why Iowa lands top recruit despite fierce competition. South Carolina has been a perennial powerhouse under Dawn Staley, and USC has been building momentum with elite recruits. Still, Iowa City’s unique mix of community spirit, fan engagement, and rising national profile created a perfect fit for Woliczko.
The Hawkeyes have built a reputation for packing Carver-Hawkeye Arena, with attendance numbers among the highest in women’s college basketball. According to NCAA data, Iowa ranked in the top three nationally for women’s basketball attendance in 2023–24, averaging more than 13,000 fans per home game (Source: NCAA.org). That atmosphere appealed to Woliczko, who said, “I just felt like it was such a fun college town. Seeing all the fans and how Iowa supports all the sports was so impressive.”
McKenna Woliczko’s Path to Iowa
Woliczko comes from Archbishop Mitty High School in San Jose, California, one of the premier girls’ basketball programs in the country. Known for producing Division I athletes, Archbishop Mitty has been ranked nationally for years and consistently competes for state championships.
As a sophomore, Woliczko averaged 22.1 points and 8.4 rebounds per game, establishing herself as a dominant inside-out threat. While her junior season was cut short due to an ACL tear after 10 games, analysts and recruiters remain confident about her recovery. Medical reports indicate that modern rehabilitation for ACL injuries has a high success rate, with over 80% of athletes returning to pre-injury levels within 12 months (Source: Johns Hopkins Medicine).
Her resilience and skill set made her a top target for nearly every major program. But in the end, Iowa lands top recruit who embodies not only talent but also leadership and toughness.
The Caitlin Clark Effect and Iowa’s Recruiting Momentum
Part of the reason Iowa has risen as a national recruiting force is the Caitlin Clark effect. Clark, one of the greatest players in NCAA history, transformed the Hawkeyes into a household name. Her style of play, highlight-reel performances, and influence on attendance numbers created momentum that continues to attract recruits.
With Clark graduating, the Hawkeyes are entering a new chapter. Securing Woliczko ensures that Iowa lands top recruit capable of carrying the torch forward. Analysts see her as someone who can blend seamlessly with Iowa’s system, which emphasizes spacing, tempo, and versatile forwards.
Comparing Iowa to South Carolina and USC
In her recruiting journey, Woliczko admitted the decision ultimately came down to Iowa and South Carolina. “Those two schools I honestly think are perfect, and I don’t think there’s any cons to either of them,” she said. “That’s what made the decision so hard.”
South Carolina has been the gold standard in women’s basketball, winning multiple national titles in recent years. USC, meanwhile, has leveraged its Los Angeles market and top-ranked recruits like Juju Watkins to return to national relevance. Yet, the family-like culture of Iowa City and the passionate fan base swayed Woliczko.
That human connection demonstrates why Iowa lands top recruit even against bigger markets and championship pedigrees.
Impact on Iowa’s 2026 Recruiting Class
Woliczko becomes the centerpiece of Iowa’s 2026 recruiting class, giving the Hawkeyes both size and scoring power. She is ranked as the No. 2 power forward nationally and brings a skill set that blends post dominance with perimeter versatility.
For Iowa, building around her could shape the next four years of competitiveness in the Big Ten and on the national stage. The Hawkeyes have consistently developed talent, and with coaches Lisa Bluder and Jan Jensen at the helm, Woliczko’s growth trajectory looks promising.
Recruiting experts note that top-10 recruits have historically impacted programs immediately. In fact, a study of ESPN HoopGurlz rankings from 2015–2020 showed that 80% of top-10 recruits averaged double-digit scoring within their first season (Source: ESPNW). This indicates that Woliczko could be a starter and key contributor as early as her freshman year.
Iowa’s Future Outlook After Landing Woliczko
Looking forward, the Hawkeyes are setting themselves up to stay relevant on the national stage. With Big Ten expansion bringing in programs like UCLA and Washington, competition is only getting tougher. Having a cornerstone player like Woliczko positions Iowa not only to compete but also to challenge perennial powerhouses.
The storyline of Iowa lands top recruit will also boost recruiting momentum. Other players in the 2026 class are watching where top athletes commit, and Woliczko’s decision may inspire more talent to consider Iowa City.
Conclusion: Why Woliczko’s Commitment Matters
When McKenna Woliczko chose Iowa over South Carolina, USC, and Ohio State, it signaled more than just one athlete’s choice. It showed that the Hawkeyes’ brand, built on culture, community, and recent success, resonates deeply with recruits.
Yes, Iowa lands top recruit, but more importantly, the program lands a future leader who values connection as much as competition. For the fans in Carver-Hawkeye Arena, Woliczko’s arrival could mark the beginning of a new era.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Recruitment rankings and athlete performance projections are based on current reports and may change as careers develop.
References:
- Source: NCAA.org
- Source: Johns Hopkins Medicine
- Source: ESPNW
- Source: 247Sports
- Source: AP News
