One of the most highly touted prospects in the Class of 2026, McKenna Woliczko, recently wrapped up an official visit to the University of South Carolina—and came away deeply impressed. The five-star forward from California called her time in Columbia an “eye opener,” signaling that Dawn Staley’s program has made a major impression as she nears a pivotal stage in her recruitment.
Woliczko, currently ranked No. 6 in espnW’s Top 100 rankings for the 2026 recruiting class, is a rising star from Archbishop Mitty High School in San Jose. Standing at 6-foot-2, she’s known for her versatility, physicality in the paint, and ability to score and rebound at a high level. With offers from virtually every major program in the country, Woliczko is being courted by the elite—yet South Carolina is clearly making a strong push.
In an interview with The State, Woliczko opened up about her official visit and what set South Carolina apart. “It was honestly an eye opener,” she said. “Just seeing how everything works there—the program, the culture, the coaching staff, the fans—it was all amazing.” The trip included a full tour of the facilities, meetings with current players, and extended conversations with head coach Dawn Staley and her staff.
According to Woliczko, what struck her most was the sense of family within the Gamecock program. “Everyone is just so connected,” she said. “You can tell it’s not just about basketball. They care about you as a person, and that stood out to me in a big way.” That sentiment is echoed often by current and former Gamecocks, many of whom credit Staley with creating one of the most player-centric cultures in college basketball.
The timing of Woliczko’s visit comes as South Carolina continues to reload its roster following a national championship game appearance last season and several major additions via the transfer portal. With a rich history of success—including three national titles under Staley—and a reputation for developing elite talent, the Gamecocks are in position to continue attracting the country’s best prospects.
Woliczko also noted how impressed she was with the fan support in Columbia. “The fans are crazy in the best way,” she said with a laugh. “You walk into the arena and feel the energy. It’s like the whole city is behind the team.” That community support, combined with South Carolina’s reputation for excellence, is clearly resonating with one of the sport’s top future stars.
While Woliczko isn’t ready to make a final decision yet, South Carolina has firmly cemented its place among her top contenders. She said the visit helped her better envision life as a Gamecock—both on and off the court. “It helped me really picture what it would be like to be part of that program,” she said. “It gave me a lot to think about.”
As her recruitment continues to heat up, expect the Gamecocks to remain front and center in the race for McKenna Woliczko. And if her recent comments are any indication, Dawn Staley and South Carolina have made a lasting impression.