Breaking: Iowa Wins Gold — Addison Bjorn Selects the Hawkeyes, Reuniting With USA Teammate McKenna Woliczko Despite Turning Down Duke, Texas, UConn, and Others.
Five-star forward Addison Bjorn turned down elite programs like UConn, Notre Dame, Duke, Texas, and Kansas in favor of the Hawkeyes, which is a huge move for Iowa women’s basketball. Why is the choice so electrifying? Reuniting one of the country’s most promising duos in Iowa City, she will be joining McKenna Woliczko, her Team USA teammate.
A Recruit Like No Other
This is huge, really. With elite offers from enduring blue-bloods, Bjorn has been one of the most sought-after prospects in the 2026 class, ranking close to the top nationally. It’s a statement to pick Iowa over those programs. It is a sign that the Hawkeyes are creating something genuinely unique, in addition to being a victory for Iowa’s recruiting machine.
Reconnecting With a Friend — and a Teammate
Playing together on Team USA, Bjorn and McKenna Woliczko developed a bond that is obviously more than just basketball. Recruits rarely choose a school for that kind of personal connection, but Bjorn made it apparent that getting back together with Woliczko had a big impact on her choice. That makes a lot of sense when you consider it. Playing at Iowa entails more than just joining a reputable program; it entails settling into a routine, collaborating with a person she already knows well and who understands her game.
What This Means for Iowa
This is significant from a program perspective. Bjorn is a game-changer for Iowa, not just a recruit. She can defend several positions, crash the boards, and stretch the floor thanks to her versatility at 6’2″. When you include Woliczko, you have two future leaders who are already aware of one another’s inclinations.
The Hawkeyes may need this in order to develop a long-term contender. When combined with Bjorn, Woliczko’s dedication already attracted attention, elevating Iowa to a premier travel destination. You can practically imagine them playing the kind of selfless, high-IQ basketball that wins titles, pushing the pace, and locking down defensively.
The Emotional Pull
Recruits don’t always mention “friendship” as a deciding factor, but in this instance, it’s true. Bjorn has stated time and time again how much it meant to her to play with Woliczko on Team USA. They are going to the same place again after sharing the court, ambition, and late-night discussions about hoops and life. Yes, it is a gamble, but it is based on trust. Coaches at Iowa are aware of it, and supporters ought to sense it as well. These two already possess building chemistry, so this isn’t a crash course, which could hasten the Hawkeyes’ ascent more quickly than most people anticipated. Aside from that.
Why Now Matters
It’s all about timing. While some stars move on, Iowa is in a transitional phase and wants to maintain its success. By securing top recruits like Woliczko and Bjorn, the program sends a message that its goal is to dominate rather than just compete. Battles for recruits against Duke and UConn are intense, but something more intangible than resources—connection—turned the tide. Bjorn was aware that she would be more than just a roster member; she would be a genuine partner who would give the core genuine chemistry and longevity.
Final Thought
This is a narrative moment rather than merely a recruiting success. Bjorn’s dedication to Iowa is based on ambition, friendship, and trust. Alongside a player she already views as family, she is eschewing traditional powerhouses to create something new in Iowa City. Hold on tight, Hawkeye fans. Bjorn and Woliczko might be your new dynamic duo if everything goes as planned. I, for one, am eager to see what they do next.
