Five-star women’s basketball recruit McKenna Woliczko took an official visit to South Carolina last week.

In what could be a pivotal moment for the future of South Carolina women’s basketball, five-star recruit McKenna Woliczko—widely regarded as one of the most complete players in the 2025 class—took her official visit to Columbia last week, bringing national attention and championship-level intrigue to Dawn Staley’s already loaded recruiting efforts.

Woliczko, a versatile 6-foot-2 forward out of California, is known for her polished inside-out scoring, defensive tenacity, and high basketball IQ. Ranked among the top five players in the nation by multiple recruiting services, she’s a potential program-changer. Her visit to South Carolina, already one of the premier destinations in women’s hoops, adds fuel to the speculation that she could become the next national name to wear garnet and black.

“McKenna is the type of player that turns elite programs into dynasties,” said one national recruiting analyst. “If she joins Dawn Staley, the rest of the country needs to prepare for more dominance out of Columbia.”

Woliczko has been on the radar since middle school, but her national profile exploded over the last two years as she dominated both the high school and club circuits. Her sophomore and junior seasons were filled with double-doubles, highlight-reel passes, and leadership that belied her age.

She has the rare ability to stretch the floor with a smooth jumper, score in traffic with touch and toughness, and defend multiple positions with ease. Her court vision and feel for the game are frequently compared to top WNBA players like Elena Delle Donne and Breanna Stewart.

With Team USA experience under her belt, Woliczko has already played against international competition and emerged as a vocal leader among her peers.

Sources close to the South Carolina program said Woliczko’s visit was meticulously planned and personally led by Coach Dawn Staley, who views the five-star forward as a top priority in the 2025 class.

The visit reportedly included:

• Campus and facilities tour, including the state-of-the-art practice gym and nutrition center
• One-on-one time with current players, including star returners and recent WNBA draftees
• A film session and tactical discussion with Coach Staley
• A home game experience at Colonial Life Arena
• Time with academic advisors and player development staff

But what stood out most, according to sources familiar with the visit, was the relationship being built between Staley and Woliczko—one rooted in mutual respect, vision, and championship expectations.

“Coach Staley knows how to reach elite players, not just as athletes but as people,” one insider said. “McKenna felt seen—not just scouted.”

Woliczko’s visit to South Carolina is part of a high-profile national recruitment that includes some of the biggest names in women’s basketball. She’s taken or is scheduled to take visits to programs like:

• UConn
• Stanford
• LSU
• Notre Dame
• UCLA

Each school offers a different blend of tradition, coaching, playing style, and NIL opportunity. But South Carolina stands out because of its recent dominance, consistent player development, and the proven path to the WNBA.

The Gamecocks have had nine players drafted into the WNBA since 2017, including No. 1 overall picks and All-Stars. Under Staley, development is not a buzzword—it’s a guarantee.

For a player like Woliczko—who wants to compete for championships, grow as a complete player, and prepare for a professional career—South Carolina checks nearly every box:

• Elite coaching: Staley is a Hall of Famer who blends player empowerment with relentless competitiveness
• Winning culture: The Gamecocks have reached three of the last four Final Fours and won national titles in 2017 and 2022
• NIL momentum: Columbia has quietly become one of the most lucrative spots for top women’s athletes
• Player development: South Carolina’s strength and skill programs are widely praised for turning stars into superstars

Most importantly, Staley has shown she can handle and support high-profile talent. Players like Aliyah Boston, Zia Cooke, and A’ja Wilson have all flourished under her leadership—not just on the court, but off it as empowered young women.

“It’s not just about basketball,” Woliczko’s high school coach said recently. “She’s looking for a culture that builds character. South Carolina has that.”

At the center of this recruitment is Dawn Staley, whose magnetism continues to attract the best players in the country. What sets Staley apart is that she doesn’t just promise success—she delivers it, consistently.

She’s proven adept at managing elite talent, building depth, and creating team-first chemistry. For Woliczko, who thrives in both structure and freedom, that balance could be the perfect environment to grow.

Staley’s reputation for empowering women and leading with authenticity has made her a mentor figure to recruits and their families. Her ability to build trust early in the recruiting process often gives South Carolina an edge.

“Coach Staley is the real deal,” said a family friend of Woliczko. “She’s tough, she’s fair, and she knows how to win.”

While Woliczko isn’t expected to announce a commitment imminently, her South Carolina visit could have a lasting impact on her decision-making process.

Sources close to the recruitment say she is aiming for a fall decision, ideally before the start of her senior high school season. With her final list taking shape, South Carolina appears to be in prime position, especially if the in-person experience met the expectations she brought to Columbia.

Recruiting analysts say Woliczko is unlikely to drag out her recruitment or make dramatic late changes—her circle is known for staying focused and respectful of each program.

For now, Tennessee, LSU, and Stanford are viewed as primary challengers to South Carolina. But insiders believe the Gamecocks could be the team to beat after this official visit.

Landing Woliczko wouldn’t just add another five-star to Staley’s arsenal—it could anchor South Carolina’s next great championship core.

With several current stars graduating or declaring early for the WNBA, the 2025 class is shaping up as a reset opportunity—and Woliczko could be the centerpiece. Her skill set fits perfectly with Staley’s hybrid system, offering:

• Positional versatility to play the 3, 4, or stretch-5
• Ability to run offense through the high post
• A presence on both ends of the floor as a shot-blocker and floor-spacer
• Championship-level mentality and basketball instincts

Paired with other rising stars and incoming prospects, Woliczko’s commitment could reshape the national title landscape once again.

McKenna Woliczko’s official visit to South Carolina was more than just a campus stop—it was a meeting of elite minds, a showcase of one of the nation’s premier women’s basketball programs, and possibly the beginning of a game-changing relationship.

If she chooses Columbia, she won’t just be adding talent to the roster—she’ll be joining a culture of excellence, stepping into a legacy that champions women on and off the court.

With one visit, South Carolina put itself squarely in the driver’s seat.
Now, the women’s basketball world waits to see if McKenna Woliczko will be the next superstar to say: “I’m coming to Columbia.”