McKenna Woliczko’s pledge to Iowa is now formally enforceable after she signed a National Letter of Intent.
After months of anticipation, McKenna Woliczko, one of the country’s most highly regarded high school basketball players, is finally coming to Iowa City. The USA Basketball star and Archbishop Mitty star signed a contract, securing her future with the Hawkeyes and igniting excitement in the collegiate basketball community.
Hawkeye supporters view this signing as the next development in a tale that continues to shine brightly from Caitlin Clark’s heyday. Although comparisons are unavoidable, Woliczko is prepared to be herself and isn’t attempting to emulate Clark. She is a powerful forward with a rare blend of poise, power, and basketball IQ. Her athleticism is unmistakable.
Woliczko has already established a resume that most players could only imagine at the age of 17. She has established herself as one of the nation’s most versatile scorers, guided Mitty to state titles, and won gold with Team USA. It’s easy to understand why coaches refer to her as a “program changer.” Any Big Ten coach would be thrilled with her ability to post up, shoot from midrange, and defend multiple positions.
Social media exploded when she revealed earlier this year that she had verbally committed. The response has only gotten stronger now that it’s official. Iowa supporters celebrated what many believe to be the start of a new dynasty by flooding timelines with black-and-gold heart emojis. One fan wrote on Twitter, “She’s the future.”
”McKenna is prepared to run with the torch that Clark handed her.” Since Lisa Bluder’s retirement, head coach Jan Jensen has made attracting top talent a key component of her program’s strategy. The acquisition of Woliczko, who is ranked as the third best prospect in the 2026 class by ESPN, indicates that Iowa’s national prominence will not be diminishing anytime soon. It’s expanding.
Woliczko thanked the journey that brought her to this point in her signing announcement. She remarked, “Iowa just felt like home from the moment I stepped on campus.” “It all clicked: the people, the culture, and the energy. I’m eager to take part in something unique. Iowa has maintained its national prominence because of that “something special.”
Because of Clark’s charisma and dominance, the Hawkeyes have gone from being a reputable Big Ten contender to a fully fledged brand. The goal now is to maintain that success, and Woliczko’s signing demonstrates that Iowa is building on its past rather than merely chasing it.
According to recruiting experts, she is a unique weapon rather than just Clark’s replacement. Woliczko is superior due to his leadership, rebounding, and interior toughness, while Clark was outstanding with his logo threes and court vision. She could contribute to keeping the Hawkeyes among the top women’s college basketball programs for many years to come, along with Iowa’s returning core and a potent 2025 class.
A player so young rarely exudes such poise and confidence. However, Woliczko has never appeared to mind the attention. She plays with the same unrelenting motor and quiet determination whether she’s performing on a national stage or in a crowded high school gym in California.
And now, Iowa is the official destination of that fire. The ink has dried. There is hope for the future. Hawkeyes include McKenna Woliczko.
