Top-ranked South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley and her team view the five-star women’s basketball recruit from the class of 2026 as the key missing piece to their roster
As of May 2025, South Carolina Gamecocks women’s basketball head coach Dawn Staley is navigating a dynamic landscape in recruiting and roster development. The team, coming off a strong 2024–25 season with a 35–4 record and an NCAA championship runner-up finish, is focusing on integrating new talent to maintain its competitive edge .Wikipedia+1Wikipedia+1Wikipedia
The offseason has seen significant player movements. Notably, MiLaysia Fulwiley, the SEC Sixth Player of the Year, transferred from South Carolina to LSU . In response, Coach Staley has been proactive in utilizing the transfer portal to bolster the team’s lineup. The Gamecocks have secured commitments from Ta’Niya Latson, a prolific scorer from Florida State, and Madina Okot, a 6’6″ center, to strengthen their roster .SBNation.com+2Swish Appeal+2Swish Appeal+2
Looking ahead, the 2025 recruiting class presents both opportunities and challenges. While the Gamecocks have extended offers to several top prospects, including Aaliyah Chavez, Jasmine Davidson, and Aliyah Crump, the competition is fierce. Chavez, ranked as the No. 1 recruit, is reportedly leaning towards Texas Tech, and Davidson has included South Carolina in her final eight but remains a target for other programs .Swish Appeal+2southcarolina.rivals.com+2Swish Appeal+2
Looking further into the future, the 2026 recruiting class is poised to play a pivotal role in South Carolina’s continued success. One standout prospect is McKenna Woliczko, a 6’5″ forward from California. Woliczko, currently ranked No. 6 in her class by ESPN, has been on the Gamecocks’ radar since her freshman year. She has expressed admiration for Coach Staley and the program, and her father, Aaron Woliczko, a senior associate commissioner for the West Coast Conference, has publicly acknowledged his daughter’s interest in South Carolina .Swish Appeal+5The Greenville News+5southcarolina.rivals.com+5AOL+1SI+1
Securing a commitment from Woliczko would be a significant addition to the Gamecocks’ future lineup. Her versatility and skill set align well with Coach Staley’s coaching philosophy, and her presence could provide the team with a dynamic forward capable of making an immediate impact.
To successfully integrate Woliczko into the team, South Carolina will need to navigate several factors:
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Recruiting Strategy: Intensifying recruitment efforts and building a strong relationship with Woliczko and her family will be crucial.AOL
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Team Dynamics: Ensuring that the team’s culture and playing style align with Woliczko’s strengths will facilitate a smoother transition.
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Developmental Support: Providing the necessary resources and support to help Woliczko reach her full potential will be essential for her success and the team’s overall performance.
As Coach Staley continues to build a championship-contending team, the 2026 recruiting class represents a critical component of the Gamecocks’ future. Securing commitments from top prospects like McKenna Woliczko will not only address immediate roster needs but also ensure sustained success for the program. With strategic planning and focused recruitment efforts, South Carolina can position itself to remain a dominant force in women’s college basketball.
