Dawn Staley has built South Carolina women’s basketball into one of the most dominant and respected programs in the nation, and her pursuit of excellence continues as the Gamecocks have made the final cut for elite high school recruit McKenna Woliczko. The competition to land the talented forward has been fierce, and with national powerhouses vying for her commitment, South Carolina positioning itself as one of her final choices is both a testament to Staley’s recruiting prowess and a signal that the Gamecocks have no intention of slowing down anytime soon. McKenna Woliczko’s recruitment has been closely watched across the women’s basketball landscape. As a versatile, highly skilled forward out of Archbishop Mitty High School in California, Woliczko has quickly emerged as one of the most coveted prospects in the 2025 recruiting class. Her blend of scoring, rebounding, and defensive instincts has made her a standout on the court, and her high basketball IQ and relentless motor have only elevated her appeal to top collegiate programs. Her inclusion of South Carolina in her final list speaks volumes about the culture, development pipeline, and championship pedigree the Gamecocks offer.

Dawn Staley’s impact on women’s basketball extends far beyond her wins and titles. She has become a transformational figure in the sport, with a reputation for developing players into elite professionals, mentoring them beyond basketball, and building a program defined by excellence, discipline, and unity. The success of former Gamecocks like A’ja Wilson, Aliyah Boston, and most recently Kamilla Cardoso in the WNBA serves as proof of concept for recruits like Woliczko who dream of playing at the next level. Staley’s program is a launchpad for greatness, and that has not gone unnoticed by Woliczko and her camp. By making South Carolina one of her final choices, she is signaling that she values not only winning but also the opportunity to grow under a coach who champions her players both on and off the court.

The Gamecocks have been a consistent force in the NCAA Tournament, with national championships in 2017, 2022, and 2024 under Staley’s leadership. Their dominance in the SEC and continued presence in the Final Four has made Columbia, South Carolina, a magnet for blue-chip talent. But even within that context, making the final list for a player like Woliczko is not a given. Her recruitment has included suitors from across the country, with historic programs like Stanford, UConn, and Notre Dame also in the mix. That South Carolina remains in contention speaks to more than just hardware; it reflects the trust recruits have in Staley’s vision and ability to deliver.

What makes Woliczko such a tantalizing prospect is her multi-dimensional game. She’s equally comfortable in the post and on the perimeter, with a smooth shooting stroke that extends beyond the arc and a willingness to do the gritty work inside. Her footwork, timing, and anticipation make her a standout defender, and she plays with a composure beyond her years. These are the traits that would allow her to slot seamlessly into South Carolina’s system, which values versatility, effort, and intelligent basketball. Her game mirrors that of past Gamecock stars who flourished under Staley’s tutelage and ultimately transitioned successfully into the professional ranks.

Recruiting is never just about talent—fit matters immensely, and South Carolina offers an environment that checks virtually every box. From their state-of-the-art facilities to the enthusiastic fanbase that fills Colonial Life Arena, the Gamecocks offer a platform and a stage that rivals any in the country. Staley’s program is known for its intense practices, commitment to detail, and accountability, elements that can be challenging but also immensely rewarding for players ready to embrace the grind. Woliczko appears to be that kind of player—driven, focused, and eager to grow through competition. That alignment makes South Carolina a particularly intriguing option.

As Woliczko nears her decision, the spotlight intensifies not just on her but also on the programs still in the hunt. For South Carolina, her potential commitment could further solidify an already loaded future roster, continuing their tradition of reloading rather than rebuilding. The Gamecocks have consistently landed top recruiting classes in recent years, and adding a talent like Woliczko would be another big step in ensuring that their standard of excellence endures well into the next generation. Her presence would add to a frontcourt that is already among the deepest in the nation, giving South Carolina even more firepower as they aim to continue their reign atop the women’s college basketball world.

Staley’s connection with her players often becomes a differentiator in recruiting battles. Recruits talk about how genuine she is, how committed she is to their development beyond just basketball. Parents trust her to look after their daughters—not just as athletes, but as people navigating one of the most formative periods of their lives. That’s a powerful factor for any recruit to consider, and it’s one that has helped Staley land some of the most high-profile players in the nation over the last decade. If Woliczko ends up in Columbia, there’s little doubt it will be due in part to the strength of that relationship and the belief that South Carolina is the right place for her to thrive.

There’s also the question of legacy and opportunity. Woliczko has the chance to join a program that has already established a dynasty and could help take it even further. With so many eyes on the Gamecocks and their continued success, she would be stepping into a spotlight that offers both pressure and immense possibility. The opportunity to wear the garnet and black and compete on the biggest stage each March is one that many young players dream of, and for Woliczko, it could be the perfect next step in her already promising career. She would be playing alongside and against the best, challenged every day in practice, and supported by a fan base that treats women’s basketball with the reverence it deserves.

Her decision, whenever it comes, will be pivotal not only for her personal journey but also for the direction of the program she chooses. If South Carolina is that destination, it will be another significant win for Dawn Staley and a validation of everything the program stands for. The ripple effects of such a commitment would be felt not only on the court but across recruiting circles, where every top player takes note of where elite talent is going and why. Woliczko’s choice will send a message—one that could either reaffirm South Carolina’s status as the pinnacle of the sport or signal a potential shift in the balance of power.

The coming weeks will be filled with speculation, visits, and evaluations as Woliczko and her family weigh their options. But South Carolina is in a strong position. They’ve made the final cut, and with that comes an opportunity to close the deal. Staley’s track record suggests she knows how to do just that. From her tireless work ethic to her ability to connect with players and families, she’s built South Carolina into a destination for greatness. If McKenna Woliczko decides to join the Gamecocks, it would be another defining moment in a recruiting legacy already filled with milestones.

Until her decision is announced, fans and analysts alike will continue to watch closely. South Carolina’s inclusion in Woliczko’s final group is a testament to the respect the program commands and the enduring power of a coach who has changed the game. Whether or not she ultimately dons the Gamecock uniform, her consideration of South Carolina affirms one undeniable truth: under Dawn Staley, the Gamecocks remain one of the elite destinations in women’s college basketball, a place where the best come to become legends.