Iowa head coach Jan Jensen. Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Citizen / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Iowa still has Caitlin Clark effect after landing five-star commit

By Andrew Kulha | Last updated Oct 1, 2025 9:23 PM ET

The Caitlin Clark effect is still very real in Iowa City. The Iowa Hawkeyes have always had a strong women's basketball program, but Clark really put Iowa hoops on the map nationally.

Sure, the diehards always knew about the Hawkeyes, but when Clark was at her apex in Iowa City, even casual sports fans were tuning in to watch the Hawkeyes. Clark is no longer a Hawkeye, but the hype she created at Iowa is still drawing top women's basketball players to Jan Jensen's program.

The latest is five-star recruit McKenna Woliczko, who is one of the top overall recruits in the 2026 class. She committed to Iowa on Wednesday over the likes of Ohio State, South Carolina and USC.

Breaking: McKenna Woliczko, the No. 6 recruit in the SC NEXT 100 for the Class of 2026, is committing to Iowa, she told @ramonashelburne. pic.twitter.com/qYX0J9sgyW
— SportsCenter NEXT (@SCNext) October 1, 2025

Why Woliczko chose the Hawkeyes

“I’m just so grateful for the opportunities and environment Iowa will provide for me,” Woliczko told Talia Goodman of Rivals. “The foundation set by past girls helps pave the way for future Iowa women’s basketball players. The environment and college feel of Iowa city definitely stands out as well, it just seems like somewhere I’d enjoy to be for the next four years. I can’t wait to grow as a player and person at Iowa.”

Woliczko's comment isn't a direct mention of Clark, but the current Indiana Fever star absolutely paved the way for top recruits like Woliczko in Iowa City.

From San Jose, California, Woliczko is ranked as the No. 2 power forward and No. 6 overall women's basketball recruit in the country, according to the 247Sports Composite. Woliczko brings an awesome blend of talent and hustle to the court.

"Woliczko is one of the best rebounders nationally in her class. Her motor does not stop on either end of the court. Woliczko is an ideal piece on a roster built to win a championship," 247Sports Director of Scouting Brandon Clay wrote.

She's a huge pickup for the Hawkeyes, but Iowa is also a great fit for her. She does have plans on playing in the WNBA, but she also feels like Iowa is a great fit for her as she looks to study elementary education in college.

“I believe Iowa is a perfect fit for me as I balance basketball, academics and and overall college experience,” she said.

Andrew Kulha

Andrew Kulha is probably the only sports writer you know who also doubles as a mortician. Spooky! @KulhaSports

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