South Carolina women’s basketball recruiting target Olivia Vukosa announced her top seven schools on Thursday.
South Carolina Women’s Basketball Recruiting Target Olivia Vukosa Announces Her Top Seven Schools
As the 2025 recruiting cycle heats up, one of the most highly sought-after prospects in women’s basketball has captured the attention of fans and coaches alike. Olivia Vukosa, a 6’5″ forward from Boca Raton, Florida, has emerged as one of the premier talents in this year’s class, and her recruitment is now at the forefront of discussions surrounding college basketball. On Thursday, Vukosa made headlines by revealing her top seven schools in the running for her commitment, sparking excitement across the college basketball landscape.
Vukosa, who plays for American Heritage School, has seen her stock rise dramatically over the past few years thanks to her impressive skill set, versatility, and basketball IQ. With her combination of size, athleticism, and skill, she has the potential to make an immediate impact at the next level. The announcement of her top seven schools marks a pivotal moment in the recruitment process, as it gives fans a clearer picture of where the talented forward is leaning and which programs are in the mix for her services.
The top seven schools that Vukosa has named include some of the most storied programs in women’s college basketball, and the fact that South Carolina is among them is a testament to the incredible program Dawn Staley has built in Columbia. The Gamecocks have been one of the top programs in the country under Staley’s leadership, and they are now positioned to make a strong push for a recruit who could be a cornerstone of their future.
This article will dive into Olivia Vukosa’s rise to prominence, the schools that made her top seven list, and why South Carolina is in a strong position to land the elite prospect. Additionally, we’ll explore what Vukosa’s potential commitment could mean for South Carolina and the wider landscape of women’s college basketball.
Olivia Vukosa: A Rising Star in Women’s Basketball
Before we examine the recruiting process and the schools on Vukosa’s list, it’s essential to understand what makes her such an attractive prospect. At 6’5″, Vukosa is a player who can dominate in the paint while also stepping out to knock down shots from the perimeter. Her versatility is one of the most compelling aspects of her game. She has a soft touch around the rim, a well-developed post game, and an ability to stretch the floor as a shooter. Additionally, her athleticism allows her to be an impact player on both ends of the floor, whether it’s crashing the boards, blocking shots, or running the floor in transition.
Vukosa’s basketball IQ is also exceptional, as she reads the game with the poise of a seasoned veteran. She understands spacing, positioning, and timing, and she has the vision to find open teammates when necessary. This ability to make plays not only makes her an offensive threat but also contributes to her value as a defender. Her long wingspan and ability to guard multiple positions make her a versatile defender, able to disrupt passing lanes and provide rim protection when needed.
Over the past few seasons, Vukosa has been a standout performer at American Heritage School, leading her team to several state championships and earning numerous individual accolades. She has been a key player in high-level tournaments and showcases, where her skills have been on full display, further boosting her profile as one of the top recruits in the country.
Vukosa’s Top Seven Schools
Olivia Vukosa’s decision to announce her top seven schools has sent waves through the basketball world, especially as it includes some of the most prestigious programs in women’s college basketball. The schools that have made her list are:
- South Carolina Gamecocks
- UConn Huskies
- Louisville Cardinals
- Notre Dame Fighting Irish
- Miami Hurricanes
- North Carolina Tar Heels
- Texas Longhorns
Each of these programs is known for its winning culture, strong coaching staff, and ability to develop players into WNBA-caliber talents. The presence of these schools on her list signals the high level of interest and competition for Vukosa’s commitment. Let’s take a closer look at each of the schools that made her top seven and what they bring to the table.
South Carolina Gamecocks
There’s no question that South Carolina, under Dawn Staley, has become one of the premier programs in women’s college basketball. With multiple SEC titles, a national championship in 2017, and consistent appearances in the Final Four, the Gamecocks have established themselves as a dominant force in the sport. Staley’s coaching style, which emphasizes toughness, defense, and team chemistry, has created a program that attracts top talent year after year.
South Carolina’s ability to develop elite players, such as Aliyah Boston, Bree Hall, and Zia Cooke, has cemented their reputation as one of the best places for young women’s basketball players to thrive. The program also offers a passionate fan base and a state-of-the-art arena, Colonial Life Arena, where Vukosa could play in front of enthusiastic crowds.
If Vukosa were to commit to South Carolina, she would join a roster loaded with talent, and her versatility would allow her to contribute right away. The Gamecocks’ strong recruiting class and the presence of several high-level players already on the roster would provide Vukosa with the opportunity to develop alongside some of the best players in the country.
UConn Huskies
No discussion of top women’s basketball programs is complete without mentioning UConn. Under Geno Auriemma, the Huskies have dominated the sport for decades, winning 11 national championships and consistently competing at the highest level. UConn’s reputation for developing players into future WNBA stars is unparalleled, and they continue to recruit some of the best high school talent in the country.
The Huskies’ style of play, which emphasizes fast-paced offense and suffocating defense, would complement Vukosa’s skill set. With players like Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd, UConn has been at the forefront of women’s basketball, and the program offers a high level of competition both in practice and in games. Vukosa’s ability to stretch the floor and play in multiple roles could be a perfect fit for the Huskies’ system.
Louisville Cardinals
The Louisville Cardinals, under head coach Jeff Walz, have become a consistent contender in the women’s NCAA tournament. Known for their high-powered offense and tough, gritty play, Louisville is a program that has had sustained success at the highest level of women’s basketball. With multiple Final Four appearances and an always-competitive ACC schedule, Louisville presents an exciting opportunity for any recruit.
Vukosa’s game could flourish at Louisville, where the emphasis is on pace and spacing. The Cardinals have a history of developing versatile players who can impact games in multiple ways, and Vukosa would be a perfect fit in this system. Louisville also offers a strong fan base and a commitment to competing for national championships every year.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Under Niele Ivey, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish have continued the legacy of success established by Muffet McGraw, making the program one of the most respected in women’s college basketball. Notre Dame’s tradition of excellence, including several national championships and numerous NCAA Tournament appearances, makes it a prime destination for top recruits.
Notre Dame’s system emphasizes both individual skill and team play, and Vukosa’s well-rounded game could thrive in this environment. The opportunity to learn from Ivey, a former standout player herself, would provide Vukosa with the tools needed to develop further and potentially transition to the next level.
Miami Hurricanes
The Miami Hurricanes have quietly emerged as one of the most intriguing programs in women’s basketball in recent years. Under head coach Katie Meier, Miami has seen consistent growth, and the program has been a regular contender in the NCAA tournament. Miami offers a competitive ACC schedule and a dynamic playing style that would allow Vukosa to shine.
Miami’s recruiting efforts have ramped up in recent years, and the addition of Vukosa could be a game-changer for the Hurricanes. The chance to play in a growing program in one of the most vibrant cities in the country could be very appealing to a prospect like Vukosa, who could help build Miami into a national powerhouse.
North Carolina Tar Heels
The North Carolina Tar Heels are another legendary program in women’s basketball. With a storied history, including several national championships and elite-level recruits, UNC offers a combination of tradition and innovation. Under head coach Courtney Banghart, the Tar Heels have turned heads with their up-tempo style of play and aggressive defense, making them one of the most exciting programs to watch.
Vukosa’s ability to play in multiple positions would be a valuable asset to UNC’s system, which places a strong emphasis on fast breaks and transition basketball. The chance to be a part of the next great Tar Heel team would provide Vukosa with ample opportunities to shine on a national stage.
Texas Longhorns
The Texas Longhorns, under head coach Vic Schaefer, have built one of the top women’s basketball programs in the country. Texas has been a perennial powerhouse in the Big 12 and has consistently reached the NCAA tournament, making deep runs in recent years. Schaefer’s defensive-minded coaching style would allow Vukosa to grow as both a defender and an offensive weapon.
Texas’ combination of elite facilities, a strong recruiting class, and a commitment to competing for championships makes it an appealing destination for any recruit. Vukosa’s skill set would mesh well with the Longhorns’ focus on toughness, defense, and execution.
Why South Carolina is a Strong Contender
As Vukosa’s recruitment continues, South Carolina is positioned as one of the strongest contenders for her commitment. The program’s recent success, led by coach Dawn Staley, combined with the Gamecocks’ style of play and player development, makes it an attractive option for a player of Vukosa’s caliber. With Staley’s track record of developing players into WNBA talent and the Gamecocks’ ability to compete for national championships year after year, Vukosa would have every opportunity to succeed at South Carolina.
Vukosa’s versatility and all-around skill set would allow her to play a significant role immediately upon arrival, and the chance to join a program with such a strong reputation for success could be a powerful draw. Additionally, the support of South Carolina’s passionate fan base and the opportunity to play in front of packed arenas would make the Gamecocks an appealing option for a player looking to make an impact on the biggest stage.
